Garlic mustard plants have become a problem in many parts of the of the United States. Early American settlers brought the plants from Europe to use for cooking and salad greens. The plant flourishes in early spring in shade. The growth is phenomenal and it often shades out native plants such as Jacob's ladder and wild geraniums. It is a biannual that overwinters easily and spreads abundantly. Sticky seeds easily attach themselves to shoes, fur and clothing so it can be spread widely. Seeds can remain alive in the soil for up to five years.
Instructions
1. Control the spread of garlic mustard plants when they are first noticed. Do not allow the plants to gain a foothold in a yard, wooded area or other location.
2. Pull the plants by hand when the flower heads first appear. Pull the plants before the seed heads emerge. Thoroughly water the area so pulling is easier and the roots can easily be lifted. Use a trowel to loosen the dirt if necessary.
3. Place the pulled plants into a plastic bag immediately so no roots or early seeds drop to the ground. Never drop the pulled plants to the ground and leave them to collect later. Pulled plants are still capable of producing seeds and the plant can easily replant itself.
4. Dispose of the garbage bag of plants immediately off your property to a landfill. Never place garlic mustard plants into a compost pile where they will seed easily.
5. Spray the herbicide glyphosate as a last resort or for large infestations. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that will kill all native plants and vegetation so use with caution. Use the herbicide twice a year in the fall and in the spring.
6. Spray in the early spring when the garlic mustard plants first emerge. Glyphosate is available in many brands at garden centers. Make sure that whatever brand is purchased it contains a minimum of 1 percent to 2 percent glyphosate. Mix the herbicide according to the directions on the brand's label.
7. Spray the herbicide directly on the leaves until thoroughly saturated. The herbicide does not kill the plant well by the roots so the leaves must be completely wet to destroy the plant.
8. Spray first-year plants in the fall. Spray after the first hard frost has killed all native plants. Garlic mustard seed will remain green and flourish even after a hard frost. Thoroughly spray the first-year plants at this time.
Tags: mustard plants, garlic mustard, garlic mustard plants, native plants, early spring
