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 >> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's latest news and activities. Subscribe and view recent editions at http://www.sierraclub.org/insider/