Weed control at the Pollinator Haven Garden is primarily accomplished by the physical, mechanical removal of weeds. Staff and Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers, with the assistance of public volunteers, hand-pull weeds during work days and whenever they see them as they walk through the Garden.

Diligent weeding means less of an impact on desirable ornamental plants and less weed seeds dropping in the Garden, thus few weeds through time. Consistent pulling of small weeds keeps the work manageable with a small group of people! It does take a keen eye though and experience.

We also use a flame weeder to control for weeds in the paths and other open areas. This is a torch that hooks up to a standard propane tank and is lit using a flint lighter. Safety is key!! The water hose is always kept on and near at hand, in case any flames get out of hand. The flame weeder is not operated during high winds or drought conditions. The operator always wears natural fibers and does not operate alone. The flame weeder can singe plants and is not the most effective control of perennial, established weeds. Thankfully our pollinator plants recover and majority of our weeds in the paths are controlled. We prefer this method over using chemical pesticides.

• Weed ID at Vtech
• Turffiles
• NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (PDIC) Factsheets
• NC State Plant Toolbox
• Weeds we don’t mind so much
  • Pseudognaphalium (cudweed)- host plant for American lady butterfly
  • Venus’ looking glass flower
  • Portulaca