I have a planting bed that had lots of weeds - especially after a new load of cypress chips were put down. I removed the existing liriope and visible weeds. Now there is soil and chips. I want to put in new plants. How can I treat the soil to discourage future weeds? How long before new plants can go in? I'm in Cocoa Beach, FL.
The following articles should be of some help to you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-long-does-weed-killer-last-in-the-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/conventional-weed-killers.htm
Nice
Several plants getting quite large (spreading). They are green or green and white spider-like plants, but they don't throw runners. They get purple flowers in September. What is the best way to reduce them in size?
I assume you are asking about liriope, or Monkey Grass. This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/monkey-grass/monkey-grass-a-spectacular-groundcover-for-the-lawn.htm
Liriope should be cut back annually. The best time is just before it starts new growth in the spring. For zone 6b, we usually cut ours to leave about 4''. If you think your clumps are too large, fall is an ideal time to divide and replant. Depending on the size, you could get as few as 2 or dozens of clumps to replant. We usually divide into clumps of 3-5 crowns for a 4'' pot, or 8-10 for a 1 gallon pot.
I am trying to buy liriope. I keep reading that gallon pots of it contain at least 4 bibs. What is a bib?
This is simply a propagation term used by commercial growers in the trade. Nurseries will divide the crowns of plants, like liriope, and then trim the leaves and roots to make a single plantlet, which they refer to as a 'bib.' So when you hear them say a pot contains 4 bibs, they are simply saying there are 4 little plantlets in the pot.
When do I trim the lirope and small lilac bushes?
Liriope (similar to monkey grass) is normally cut back in early spring, just as new growth begins. This article will help, as it applies to liriope as well as monkey grass: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/monkey-grass/pruning-monkey-grass.htm The best rule of thumb on pruning lilacs is to do it right after the flowers die off in the summer. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/lilac/pruning-lilac-bushes-when-to-trim-lilac-bushes.htm
I have a bed of liriope that is being invaded by Bermuda grass. How can I kill the Bermuda and not kill the monkey grass?
You have several options: I would recommend pouring boiling water on the areas where the bermuda grass was growing. Boiling water will kill whatever it comes in contact with. Alternatively, you could cover liriope clumps with cardboard boxes or use a gallon milk jug with the bottom cut off as a shield. Spray the grass with an herbicide during hot weather when the grass is actively growing. One application won't work, as it's going to take several. If a little herbicide touches the liriope, don't despair. It will only kill the little sprout, not the clump. Ortho Grass-B-Gon will kill grass and weeds but won't harm your liriope.
We have had problems with getting liriope to look good and we are not sure when to trim it in the spring here in PA.
You can cut the liriope (monkey grass) back to 3 inches in early spring. After trimming, you can fertilize and implement weed control as well. Then, mulch the area with straw, bark or compost.
For more information on pruning liriope please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/monkey-grass/pruning-monkey-grass.htm
I have lots of water oaks that seem to drain the life everything around them. I have variegated liriope plants near them, which have not flourished. Need to know if it is ok to put the liriope in a container with great soil and plant the container where the top of the container would be at ground level?
The water oaks in a way are draining the life of the things around them. They are very water hungry trees and they literally suck the water out of the soil around them so it can make it hard for nearby plants to survive if there is not enough water for both the tree and the plants.
The container may work, but you would need to provide extra water for the liriope in the container. The container wall will prevent the trees from taking their water but it also means that the liriope's roots will not be able to grow outward to find additional water.