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Written by Karen D’Ambrosio, Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County, ‘15
Just because winter is here, it does not mean you can’t putter around in the yard. While waiting for the warmer days of early spring to arrive, bundle up and head outdoors. Winter is the perfect time to weed, yes I said weed and mitigate those pesky invasive plants and vines. If the ground is not frozen solid, you can make progress.
Weeds such as garlic mustard, Allaria petiolata; hairy bittercress, Cardamine sp.; chickweed, Cerastium fontanum; speedwell, Veronica spp. and even henbit, Lamium amplexicaule can remain green all winter long. These weeds are considered winter annuals which means they germinate in autumn or winter, live through the winter, then bloom in late winter or spring. Eradicating them now, before they flower and set seed, means fewer weeds in the lawn and garden beds come springtime. Digging or pulling the weeds is the best method in winter. The time to use a pre-emergent herbicide has passed. Chemical herbicides for established weeds need to be applied in early spring. Don your favorite pair of gloves, choose your tool and spend a little time weeding when the weather permits.
Also, be on the lookout for multiflora rose, Rosa multiflora; invasive honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica; invasive wisterias, Wisteria japonica and W. chinesis; round-leaved bittersweet, Celastrus orbiculatus and English ivy, Hedera helix. These invasive plants should also be removed if you come across them. Without foliage in winter- except for the ivy- it makes their removal easier.
Here are a few resources (with photos) to guide you:
Identification, Control, and Impact of Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata
Round Leaved Bittersweet – Invasive Species of the Month by Michele Bakacs
While walking around your garden, take note of what you want to plant in spring. Once inside, grab a hot mug of your beverage of choice and leaf through those beautiful garden catalogs, you deserve it.