Connie Mutel gave me permission to forward this message about garlic 
mustard control.  It's time again--the plants are already in full bloom 
here in Polk County.    Jo Hudson

> On Apr 21, 2006, at 5:24 PM, Connie Mutel wrote:
>
>> I was asked to post a message on the INPS and IPN websites about 
>> "what to do
>> when" with garlic mustard.  This information is in the new brochure 
>> that DNR
>> has just published. Printed copies of the brochure can be gotten from:
>>
>> John Walkowiak, Iowa DNR (Forestry Division)
>> [log in to unmask]
>> Phone 515-242-5966
>> John said that he would also post the brochure at this DNR website in 
>> the
>> near future:
>> www.iowadnr.com/forestry/invasives
>> Feel free to ask John for multiple copies, to distribute to friends 
>> and
>> other organizations. We need to get this information out ASAP.
>>
>> As for what to do now -
>>
>> Here in east-central Iowa, GM plants are budding and getting ready to 
>> bloom.
>> Once blooming starts, there are 3 options:
>> Pulling
>> Spraying with something that will kill them faster than Roundup does 
>> (not a
>> good idea anyplace with nice natives!)
>> Weed-whacking down to AND INTO the plant's base
>> Be sure to get flowers and seedpods off the site and into a landfill.
>>
>> This is an excellent time to make your job easier by burning off the 
>> brand
>> new tiny seedlings (with just 2 or a few small leaves) with a propane 
>> torch
>> with a long wand. You are likely to see great numbers of these around 
>> the
>> base of second year plants. Getting rid of second year plants, and 
>> then
>> burning off the new seedlings, may give you nearly clean soil next 
>> year.
>>
>> Remember 2 things -
>> 1. You need to go back and check infested areas every few weeks, from 
>> now
>> into mid-summer or so. Inevitably you will find a few blooming plants 
>> each
>> time you go - get rid of those, and you won't have any more seeds 
>> added to
>> the seedbed.
>> 2. Next year, start your efforts in winter or early spring, while 
>> natives
>> are dormant. Search out GM (which is green through the winter), and 
>> get rid
>> of it immediately. Makes  your fight easier and your spring more 
>> pleasant.
>> 3. Remain persistent and hopeful!
>>
>> Good energy to all - Connie Mutel
>>

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