control of weeds in flower garden beds

[boobuns]

HELP!!!! We live between Richmond and Williamsburg and are having major problems with controlling weeds and grass in our beds. Most of the beds contain perrenials mixed with small bushes and trees. We have a problems with chickweed and other weeds that seem to come from no where. There is also silver and wire grass in a few beds. Any suggestions? Our home and yard is surrounded by pine trees which is why we use pinestraw for mulching the beds. I love to garden but the weeds are overwhelming. Thank you for any advise.

[Rosemary]

I live east of Richmond and grumble about weeds too. When my husband sees me using chemicals as a means of control he reminds me how expensive it is. He's right, I buy gallon sizes. To me, the one who does the pulling, it is well worth it. I love working in my gardens but these ()()*&%^& weeds never stop! I have very sandy soil.
I've used Preen (love it) but I plant a lot from seed so I can only use this once I'm completely done seeding. Also remember if you have annuals that re-seed themselves, they won't if you use Preen.
I'm not sure there is a "magic" cure for weeds; but I'm listening . . . .

[lorijones]

A pre-emergence weed control like Preen is great for controlling annual weeds like chickweed in perennial beds. Follow the label directions to make sure you apply it at the correct times to do the best good. It won't help for the perennial weeds; those have to be hand pulled, grubbed out (try Andre's favorite weeding tool, the swing head hoe http://www.inthegardenradio.com/v.php?pg=382), or if you're careful, you can paint glyphosate (Round-up) on the actively growing foliage to kill them - just be careful not to get any on your other perennials.

[salemgirl]

I am in Salem VA and have a problem with wire grass in my lawn. I heard you discuss this on the radio, but missed the solution. Can you let me know what you recommended. I think there was a treatment needed in the fall.

[lorijones]

Bayer Advanced makes a product called Bermudagrass Control for Lawns. Wire grass (aka. bermudagrass) is difficult to control but this product should help when used according to the label directions. It may take persistence to get rid of it completely! Since you live near Roanoke, it might be worth a trip to the Turf and Gardening Store. Their number in Roanoke is 540-343-2428.