Noxious weeds are growing faster than you think!

Noxious weeds are growing faster than you think!

Multiple days of good spring weather in Western Washington may help pesky weeds get the jump on local farmers in their pastures, forest and gardens.  Germination of seed and growth of weeds are very temperature dependent. The optimum temperature for germination varies for individual weeds but many can germinate at low soil temperatures with adequate soil moisture. This is a combination of weather that is common to our area and will speed up the germination of weeds with the current warm trend.

Control of annual and biennial weeds remains the same, with a priority for treatment in the seedling or early growth stage of the plant. Selective herbicides targeting these new weeds in pastures or hayfields are very effective when coupled with nutrients, for an increase in forage production.

Mechanical control methods targeting seedling weeds should also be considered where new crops for the season are being planned. Small units of forested land recently harvested would equally benefit forest seedling trees with an early season weed treatment.

Bull thistle, Wild carrot, Common chick weed, Tansy ragwort, Little bitter cress and Annual bluegrass are a few of the annual or biennial weeds one may encounter. For additional help with the identification of seedling weeds and their management contact the Lewis County Noxious Weed Control Board (360 740 1215).