• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Thistles-in-the-Garden-THUMB.jpg

Thistles in the Garden

We have tall thistles in one section of our perennial garden. I pull them, but they keep coming back. Is there any way to get rid of them? They seem to grow up through deep wood chips.

Continuously pulling thistles, removing all of the roots, is tedious but eventually effective way to remove these weeds. Pull when the plants are young and soil is moist. Any piece of the root that remains can start a new plant. Reduce future populations by removing the plants before they set seed. Allow the seed-free weeds to dry thoroughly or cook them in a clear plastic bag before adding them to the compost pile. Mulching your garden will help reduce the number of thistle and other weed seeds sprouting in your garden. Or spot treat thistles with a total vegetation killer. I like to cover the thistle with a clear milk jug, bottom removed, when spraying with these products. This protects the nearby plants I do not want to harm. Or paint these chemicals on the leaves to avoid damaging nearby plants.   Whether using traditional or new environmentally friendly products read and follow label directions carefully.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW