Pictured is Paul Trska , an University of Minnesota Extension (Olmsted County) Master Gardener, giving information about weed control. His time with us and the information sheets he provided verified that there are many elements to look for when trying to identify weeds. The first hour helped us realize that even though all grass weeds look similar, various details, which are sometimes microscopic, may be necessary for identification which is necessary to know what method of control is the best to use. He stressed the importance of using the universal control method labeled as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It is a framework of thought and action using research-based pest management information that takes into account the protection of the environment. Our discussion of the eradication of quackgrass could be used to summarize the methods of control that we talked about: 1) Smother, 2) Solarize, 3) Use an herbicide, 4)Dig/Pull out, 5)Suppress it by growing another crop, 6) Force it to blend in by helping the good grasses/plants to prosper.
He stressed the importance of knowing the weeds you are dealing with because some could be considered good attractors for pollinators, some could be used as a human food source, or some could be beneficial for maintaining the health of soil as with the clovers.
The final hour was devoted to questions and trying to identify some weeds brought to the workshop. A tour of the garden followed the workshop with some attendees leaving with fresh produce thanks to Chris Meyer, Stone Point Education Garden Outreach/Fund Raising Manager.
He stressed the importance of knowing the weeds you are dealing with because some could be considered good attractors for pollinators, some could be used as a human food source, or some could be beneficial for maintaining the health of soil as with the clovers.
The final hour was devoted to questions and trying to identify some weeds brought to the workshop. A tour of the garden followed the workshop with some attendees leaving with fresh produce thanks to Chris Meyer, Stone Point Education Garden Outreach/Fund Raising Manager.