Hey everyone! I'm a new gardener and just bought my first home. Two springs ago, I added two flower beds in the front of my house. However, last year, the violets totally took over! Now, I'm trying to reclaim my flower beds, but I'm not sure what to do about it. Any advice would be super helpful!
3 Answers
If you’re not sure whether they’re violets or something like lesser celandine, it’s worth checking. Violets can spread seeds rapidly, even without flowering, so if you really want to manage them, just hand weed regularly after they bloom. Some people just accept them as part of their garden!
Totally! I even let them grow because they’re the only thing thriving in my north-facing yard. Plus, they’re edible!
Honestly, I love violets! They’re great for pollinators, and I let them stay in my yard. But if they're crowding out your other plants, consider digging them out and reducing their numbers. They do prefer some shade, so maybe try planting some taller plants around them to stunt their growth.
That’s a good point! I’ve noticed they thrive in full sun in my yard, but maybe a little shade could help balance them out.
It sounds like a challenge! First off, it’s easiest to dig them out when the soil is damp. Use a weeding fork to get underneath and make sure you get the whole root. If you let them go to seed, prepare for a bunch of volunteers popping up later. They’re really tough to eliminate, but it definitely can be done!
Exactly! I have them everywhere too, but I dig them out by the clump-load in spring after they bloom. I toss the extras in out-of-the-way spots—if they take, great! It’s a bit of a battle, but it’s manageable.
Sounds like a solid strategy! I agree, just keep at it every time you weed, and you’ll eventually get them under control.
They’re definitely violets for sure! I’ve been battling them, but they are kind of pretty, aren’t they?