Preemergent can thwart weeds before they get growing

Q: I can’t believe the number of baby weeds that are already growing in two of my rocked beds. It’s still so cold out and I have a hard time working in the cold outdoors. I’m wondering if there is some sort of weed preventative that I can apply to help combat these pesky weeds. Help! — D.W., Albuquerque

A: You are correct that if you look, you can find lots of baby weeds already growing.

In fact, I just pulled a crop of what I know as flixweed out of my back yard last weekend. The most mature were at least a foot and a half tall already. They are showing up in a spot that is warmed by a wall and some of the recent light rains we had were just the ticket to make them want to grow so rapidly.

There are products available that you can apply to prevent weeds and some of the weedy grasses we’re known for from germinating and in turn growing to maturity. They are called preemergents. Using the internet, search for preemergents and you’ll unearth a whole host of products.

You could also reach out to local nurseries to see what products they’d offer to combat the weeds. Most big-box stores carry a product named Preen and it’s simple to use.

Just be aware preemergents do nothing to kill or maim an already growing weed or weedy grass. Preemergents work by either creating a crust at soil level that keeps a seed from being able to complete germination or once the product is applied and watered in, it wraps around any seed it finds, again keeping that seed from germinating.

Don’t apply a preemergent anywhere you are going to want to plant anything by seed later this year. You would not be very successful.

Fewer seeds germinating and sinking roots, that is what you’re aiming for. You will need to pull all weeds you have growing before you apply any preemergent products. If the weed is actively growing happy and green, the preemergent will not harm it in any way.

If you leave the already growing weeds and consider hunting them with a weed killer, the weed killer could hang around in the soil or move through the soil and harm any treasured plants you might have growing nearby.

I really suggest biting the bullet and plucking the young weeds rather than applying a weed killer.

So during the day when the high temperature reaches its peak, get out there and pluck away. Get in the habit of having a watering can nearby so you can water the weeds first and that will make them easier to pull. Make sure that you tidy up completely. Don’t leave any weed carcasses lying around. They have to go in the trash.

Like you, I don’t like to have to work outdoors in the cold, but if you don’t get this young crop of weeds now, you’ll have more to deal with as the season progresses.

Happy hunting and preventing, and Happy Diggin’ In!

Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send garden-related questions to Diggin’ In, Albuquerque Journal, 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87109, or to features@abqjournal.com.