I recently had shoulder surgery, so I haven't been able to maintain my yard like I usually do. The kids have done some mowing, but weed control has been neglected. There's a patch behind my pole barn where the thistles have grown to about 4 feet tall and have flowered, which means they're ready to go to seed. I want to tackle them without letting those seeds fly everywhere and make the problem worse. Any suggestions? Someone mentioned using cheap hairspray to keep the seeds from shedding, but I'm open to other ideas as well!
3 Answers
I’ve read about a technique where you cut the thistles back a bit and leave a few inches of stem, then dribble horticultural vinegar on the cut part. This method can help reach the roots and kill them off completely. I’m going to try the hairspray trick along with the vinegar, and I'll post back here in a few weeks with the results!
If you're dealing with thistles, remember they spread through their roots too! I'd recommend using glyphosate to effectively kill them off. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully if you go this route.
I've seen a method where you can cover the seed head with a plastic bag before cutting them down. It might seem a bit tedious, but it prevents the seeds from blowing away when you do cut them. Just carefully place the bag over the top and then snip the stem below. Good luck with your thistle battle!