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Eliminating invasive plants without the use of harmful herbicides is a perpetual challenge for gardeners and landscapers. Invasive species are defined as “not native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction causes, or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health.” One such species frequently seen in the Northeast landscape is mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris). Like many invasives, it thrives in disturbed areas and out-competes native species.
We have several dense patches of mugwort on the farm. Our mitigation efforts began by weakening the plants. We mowed the area and then smothered the patch with black landscape fabric, a process known as occultation. We left the fabric in place for over a year and then sowed winter rye to compete with any remaining mugwort roots and to rejuvenate the soil life. Winter rye, a commonly used cover crop, suppresses the growth of other plants.
We mowed the rye in the spring and, as the June heat set in, densely planted two large native grasses, Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), that we grew in root-prune pouches to enhance vigorous root growth and enable them to acclimate quickly when planted. There is typically minimal, if any, transplant shock.
We mulched and watered in the plants heavily. We also seeded Ernst Seed Company’s Showy Northeast Native Wildflower & Grass Mix combined with oats on the surrounding areas to enhance native plant diversity.
Here’s what our planting looked like two months later:
And this is what the area looked like four months after planting, in Early October…
It’s exceedingly difficult to eradicate mugwort, particularly without using chemical herbicides, but we know that it will have a hard time competing with these well-established hardy and vigorous natives.
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Ghent, New York 12075 – (518) 553-0335