knapweed under fire
weed killing 101
DEBORAH PATTERSON, MASTER GARDENER
COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO
INTERVIEWED BY CUTTER STREEBY
Knapweed is a common noxious weed
found in many places: yards, alleyways,
pastures and forest lands. True control of
this weed takes a few seasons… if you are
doing it correctly.
In weed management, like bull riding, there
is a fine line between a beautiful finish
and a 0 score. While the 8 second ride is
considered an art, Debbie calls weed killing,
“common sense.”
“Knapweed doesn’t grow well in areas that
are watered, fertilized with nitrogen or
growing grasses that help to crowd out and
compete well with knapweed.” That means,
wait for it, take care of your properties!
“Many brands of weed killer help control
knapweed. 2-4 D, Curtain Crossbow,
Milestone and Feeder are a few brands.
Mixing is important. This is where more
is not better. Using more is dangerous to
animals and humans alike. It changes the
Ph of the water, and the chemicals won’t
work as they should. It does damage to
untargeted plants such as lawn grasses and
pasture grass.”
23