We seem to believe that winter is the time of year when plants wither away and die. That may be true for some types of plants, but is it true for weeds as well? Do weeds die in the winter? Also, if they do, how do they manage to come back with a vengeance as soon as spring rolls around?
We know weeds can be a nuisance, so we decided to tackle this topic head-on. In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about weeds.
We’ll talk about the different types of weeds. Once you identify which ones are growing in your yard, you can start eliminating them from your garden once and for all.
So, let’s get started.
Different Types of Weeds
Recognizing the different types of weeds can help you understand what you’re up against.
Annual Weeds
Annual weeds germinate, grow to maturity, produce seeds, and die all within 12 months. There are two types of annual weeds: summer and winter.
Summer Annuals
Summer annuals, such as crabgrass, germinate in the late winter and early spring. They grow faster during the warmer months. By the end of summer, they produce seeds, then die.
Winter Annuals
Winter annuals, like henbit, germinate during the late summer and early fall months. They keep maturing during the winter and do surprisingly well in the colder months.
When the weather becomes warmer, they produce seeds. Once they’ve produced enough seeds, they die off on their own.
Biennial Weeds
Biennials, such as evening primrose, live for up to two years. In their first year, they germinate and grow. In their second year, they begin to produce flowering stalks and seeds. After that, they wither away to make room for new weeds to grow in their place.
Perennial Weeds
Perennials, like dandelions, live for several years, even after they’ve flowered. Their root parts store food during the winter. This is how they’re able to come back just as strong in the spring.
Do Weeds Die in the Winter?
Yes and no. Weeds are good at planning ahead. Don’t be fooled by their disappearing act. Weeds always manage to come back.
It’s a known fact that almost all plants go dormant during winter, or at least their growth cycle slows down a bit. This is true for weeds as well.
You’re likely to notice fewer weeds popping up around your property when the weather gets colder. Yet, things below the surface are never that simple.
As summer weeds are dying off, they leave behind their seeds in the soil. These seeds are covered by a protective shell, which makes them immune to frost or herbicidal sprays.
They wait for the snow to melt and the weather warms up again. Then, once spring comes around, they’re back stronger than ever!
Precautionary Measures
Weeds are just as complex as all other types of plants. They’re also pretty clever and resilient. Your best chance at getting rid of these pesky intruders is by staying one step ahead.
Check out these tips to help you set up a year-round weed management routine.
Use Herbicides
There are two types of herbicides. One is applied before the seeds germinate. The second type is applied to actively growing weeds.
Before Germination
The way these pre-emergence herbicides work is they form a barrier on the soil surface. This barrier prevents light from reaching the seeds, which causes them to dry up and die. The best time to apply is during the early summer months.
After Germination
Post-emergent weed herbicides work on fully-grown weeds. You can also use white vinegar as an organic alternative.
Whichever type you go with, follow these steps:
- Water the soil from 24 to 48 hours before applying the herbicide
- Avoid mowing the soil 24 to 48 hours before application
- Spray directly onto growing weeds, not the soil
- Avoid watering the soil for up to 24 hours after applying the herbicide
Spread Mulch
Spread a ½-inch layer of mulch over the soil. It’ll block sunlight from reaching the soil to prevent seeds from germinating. In other words, it stops any growth happening underground.
At the same time, mulch is good for your other plants. It retains moisture so plant roots get the moisture they need whenever they need it. Mulch also provides plants with nutrients as it slowly decomposes.
Organic mulches include wood chips, shredded leaves, and wheat straw. You can use a shredder, wood chipper, or even your lawnmower to make some homemade mulch.
Inorganic mulch can be landscaping fabric, newspapers, or black plastic sheets.
Pull Out the Weeds
Pulling out weeds is an inevitable part of the gardening process. The trick is to pull out the roots as well, not just the weed itself.
Remember that certain weeds, such as dandelions, can grow back from old roots. To avoid leaving any roots behind, pull the weeds as close to the soil as possible. If the root still doesn’t come out, use a gardening fork or spade to pry it out.
A good tip is to wet the soil slightly beforehand. Wet soil makes it easier to pull them.
Trim the Garden Edges
Mowing the edges of your yard plays a big part in preventing weed growth. The problem is that few lawnmowers can mow around planting beds or fence lines.
If this is the case with your mower, you can always use a trimmer. They’re designed to get to hard-to-reach places in your yard where weeds typically appear.
Hire Professionals
If you have an incessant weed problem that you can’t handle on your own, it’s time to call in the professionals. Hire a weed-killing service or landscaping expert for a quick and systematic eradication. They can also give you prevention and maintenance tips to keep your yard looking great all year long.
Final Thoughts
Weeds can be annoying, but they’ll always be a part of your yard. Unfortunately, there’s no one quick fix for removing weeds.
The good news is that there are several ways to manage them throughout the year. You could even eradicate them before they’ve had a chance to germinate.
By understanding their growth cycle, you can be well-prepared, which makes you pretty much an expert. So, the next time someone asks, “do weeds die in the winter?”, you’ll know exactly how to respond.