Weed control

It is important to identify the range of weeds present before deciding control measures.

These are some of the most common weeds found on container nursery stock.

Hairy Bittercress - Spreads easily by exploding seed capsule, Seed can stick to cutting material,Quick to produce seed.

Willow herb - This is a windblown seed which is difficult to remove from compost and is widespread.

Pearl Wort - This is a creeping perinnial which spreads slowly. It is difficult to hand weed and it builds up over a number of seasons.

Groundsel - This is a fairly common weed.

Chickweed - Another fairly common weed.

Moss and Liverwort - Is encouraged by damp conditions.

Look at your nursery and find where weed seeds are contaminating the compost.

Compost                                    Keep peat and grit covered

Irrigation/Water                         Cover tanks were possible

Contaminated Pots                  If you reuse pots always clean#

Nursery Environment               Remove weeds from the surrounding areas.

Pathways/Roadways                Keep these clean.

Stock Plants                               Keep stock plant areas clear of weeds

Waste Compost                        Avoid waste heaps adjacent to the container area.

Standing Ground                       When an area is cleared of plants, clean up standing area.

There is a limited range of chemicals which can be used to control weeds on container grown nursery stock. They are mainly pre-emergence weedkillers applied to a clean pot surface to prevent the germination of weed seeds.

In Northern Ireland the 2 most common weedkillers used on container nursery stock are currently Ronstar 2G granules from Hortichem and Flexidor 125 from Dow Elanco. These have both label recommendations for use of container grown nursery stock.

Axit GR from Fargro has now a label recommendation for field and outdoor hardy ornamental nursery stock.

Always apply chemicals according to the label recommendations.