Cape Weed

 
Grrr.  I've got it everywhere.  I was told wherever the soil has been
turned it comes up (we're in a new house just built - everything was
previously turned/excavated.) We sowed lawn seed all over the front area
after levelling the saved topsoil from our excavations (close to an
acre) and whilst the lawn seed sprouted more Cape Weed than grass came
up.  I gave up lifting them out after about an hour when I saw I had
many hours to go.

We have a large quantity of "Weed & Feed" but it says on the containers
not to use it on new lawns less than 3 months old.  It's been in only
about 6 weeks.  (A friend who works at a nursery said they use Weed &
Feed there very successfully and got us some at a cheap price so we
bought it.)

Someone here mentioned a little while ago about dabbing kero on the cut
off centre of a plant they wanted to be rid of (lillies I think it was.)
  Does anybody think that would work on this weed? We need to give the
area its first mow and wonder if I should do that after the tops are cut
off them.

L

 G'day Linda

I know how frustrating it can be starting such a big lawn area from
scratch....been there myself.

Kero would work if dabbed on each plant but I'm just wondering if you
have a Roundup Wand or can borrow one because that would work too.  The
wand attaches directly to a small bottle of roundup and has a large wick
(approx 20-25mm).  If you don't have a wand maybe you could rig
something similar?

Hope this helps? I'd be hesitant to spray anything unless it's a very
calm day with absolutely NO wind, but that probably depends more on your
location.

Bronwyn ;-)

Linda H wrote:

 HC wrote:

A commercial contractor could be hired to spray it safely for you. Ger a
guarantee of him as well in writing...

 
Hi Linda, Look the good news is you can just disregard it. The grass
will soon crowd it out and it's going to die off anyway when it goes
out of season. I wouldn't do weed and feed at all.

the important thing at this stage is not to cut too low, and be
absolutely sure that the young grass is sturdy enough and wont be
pulled out. Cape weed thrives in areas where theres not much nitrogen
so good lawn maintenance of regular feeding and mowing will eliminate
it. and at this stage it's probably doing more good than harm, though
unsightly i know. But it's stabilizing and shading your young grass.
use the time for something more productive, or restful.


--
godwin

 godwin wrote:



Hmm, that brings up another point I've wondered about, Godwin.  How does
one test their soil?  Is there something like a pool ph testing kit
available?

L.