Another epidemic we helped create - Super Weeds in North Texas

Arggg! We have these too, and they drive me daft! *sigh*

I also have some of these, and they're almost impossible to get rid of!!

Great article, Jackie! Super weeds are not only the result of chemical treatment of our lawns and crops, but they are also an indication that the biodiversity of our chemically treated environment is being reduced. Did you know that heirloom varieties of crops like corn used to maintain their own defenses against pests and weeds? The modified varieties of these crops no longer produce these natural defenses but are instead engineered to require chemical treatment for pest/weed control. Problem is that the weeds are adapting to the chemicals and the crops are still left defenseless. Companies like Monsanto are raking in profit for destroying the natural balance of our environment and for reducing overall biodiversity.

One of the tricks is to get them out before they shed their seeds. And, you must get the roots. If the root breaks off, forget it - it's baaackkk!

I hate these prickly weeds, they are vicious, blood sucking, terrorists that just wait for you to put your hand in there! They are in my mothers flower beds and seem to grow closest to the rose bushes, maybe there's a connection?

It might be some kind of thistle. Due to the yellow flowers, it might be a kind of sow thistle. I have those in my yard too. They make a nice lettus sounding crunch under my mower and they leave a milky residue when cut.

You are corect Jackie. I have watched as the use of roundup has proliferated and I have watched as nature has fought back.

Weed killers are a waste when weed seeds are blown in by the wind and plant themselves after the growing season and come up every spring.

Looks like you got a prickly lettuce or sow thistle infestation.

It is best to just dig the whole root out.

What these companies have done is a crime against humanity, a crime against nature and they keep getting away with it.

Great observation Jackie and I agree with you, yet it continues. :( Wonderful article!

well i think it time for some drugs, yeah i know everyone says not to use them, but!!!

Vinegar is highly effective against thistles (and other nasties): Vinegar As a Non-Toxic and Safer Weed Control Option - I've used it myself for years, but it's always nice to have scientific data to support my "old gardener's" tale. :) It will temporarily - for two or three days - acidify the surrounding soil, though, so if you have near-by plants that love it really sweet, use a little caution. Don't dilute it. Household vinegar is only 5% strength, barely strong enough to do the job. You can find higher concentrations at a chemical supply house or farm supply store. Buy the 20%, and mix 50/50 with screaming hot water (wear gloves and eye protection). Or use it full-strength, but treat it with respect like the caustic that it is.

Monsanto, Bayer, Ortho, Scott and companies like them - may they rot in hell. Because of them we will suffer for generations to come.

it looks just like a huge plant that grew up next to the fence and the fence vine my sister insisted on using RoundUp to kill. it made my health worse, but she didn't see the connection.

CrowMeris

Well, l sure wouldn't like to see that (Whoosh) either. l actually used an acetylene torch w/smallest tip, and only on the top of the weed where the seeds are, which is enough. Yes, l suggested the soap, because of the fact it would spread and hold the vinegar to the plant longer. I had also thought about cayenne pepper in the mixture. I like to experiment organically. I hate chemlawn. I used to watch them come weekly to homes in Fla., put on their big masks and start up the sprayers on the lawns and shrubs. Is this the " better living through chemistry" they meant, so many years ago in the dow ads?

I noticed that weeds that were never in my garden before have been cropping up and the only consistent thing is that is where I planted potted plants from the garden center.

This may be something in common throughout the country as the greenhouse growers may be using chemicals that have raised resistant weeds.

I tend to put all organic matter in a compost- that seems to work. I use weeds from the yard and kitchen veg scraps, coffee grounds, dog hair and paper , pretty much everything. It makes lovely soil.

So strange to see 'summer" weather in Texas at this time of the year, but it may work in your favour as the heat produced by compost can effectively kill unwanted plants and even seeds!

Thistles or dandelions - I'll take the dandelions! My bunnies eat tons of these during the growing season, both leaves and flowers. I actually run short on them, and my neighbor across the road said I was welcome to come pick all that I wanted out of his field.

Here are a couple of things I've ran across in the last couple of months:

You Bet Your Garden (it's a blog sponsored by the GardensAlive! website but doesn't advertise GardensAlive products in the article itself. I like that.) It gives some techniques on using the vinegar method.

A new product called Nature's Avenger that's OMRI certified organic. I think I'm going to get some of it (if I can find a small bottle) to help me keep the dreaded periwinkle in check. I'm plumb worn-out fighting it, though compared to your thistle problem, I'm counting my blessings!