Q.Thistle Weeds
I removed a lot of thistles from my front landscape last year. I thought I had the problem under control. I was wrong. As soon as things started to bloom, the thistles were back also. Is there a permanent way to rid these unsightly weeds from sprouting in my front yard landscape?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
They aret ough to get rid of once established because of their root and rhizome system. In addition, their seed is very viable, blows easily in the wind, and will establish just about anywhere. Use chemicals as a last resort. The best time to spray thistle (use Round-up) is in the late summer to fall BEFORE the flower goes to seed. Thistle thrives in less nutrient-rich subsoil, which will be increased by the use of chemicals, which keep nutrients out of the soil. Instead, try cutting the thistle down to 6 inches above the soil, BEFORE IT GOES TO SEED, and then add manure or compost to these lawn areas to improve the soil quality. Oftentimes, if you maintain this continual cutting, the plants and roots will eventually die. For small areas, you could also try shading them out with plastic, dark-colored fabric, or a tarp. Since thistles need sun to grow, this can quickly kill a thistle, but you need to remember that the plastic or other material can also kill the grass that it is covering in your yard.
To tell you the truth that weed is extremely important in nature. It feed our bees
and is also an herb that cleanses your liver (check the natural supplements)
I would leave a few in the front. By planting al this chinese this and japanese that we are contributing to changing our natural environment, this plant also feed birds and wild life. I have learn this and I am removing all the nandina bamboo that I had planted. Beside have you seen how beautiful the flowers are??? I know I know they have a lot of thorns, do a little research on line, maybe you can sell your plants! it is very expensive because its become extinct
Good Luck
