Morning glory is a beautiful plant, but it can also be a nuisance. This invasive plant can quickly take over your garden or lawn, leaving you with a tangled mess of vines and flowers. If you’re struggling to get rid of morning glory, don’t worry – there are several methods you can use to kill this pesky plant.
Method 1: Pulling Morning Glory by Hand
If you only have a small patch of morning glory, you can try pulling it by hand. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the thorns and prickles. Grab the stem at the base and gently pull upwards, making sure to remove the entire root. If the root breaks off, the morning glory will just grow back.
Tip:
It’s best to pull morning glory in the morning when the soil is damp. This will make it easier to remove the entire root system.
Method 2: Smothering Morning Glory
If you have a large patch of morning glory, pulling it by hand may not be practical. In this case, you can try smothering the plant with a tarp or thick layer of mulch. Cover the morning glory completely and leave it for several weeks. The lack of sunlight will eventually kill the plant.
Tip:
Be sure to remove any dead morning glory plants and roots after smothering. Leaving them in the soil can lead to future growth.
Method 3: Using Herbicides to Kill Morning Glory
If pulling or smothering doesn’t work, you can try using herbicides to kill morning glory. Look for a herbicide that contains glyphosate, which is effective at killing most types of weeds and plants. Follow the instructions carefully and apply the herbicide directly to the morning glory.
Tip:
Be sure to wear protective clothing and gloves when using herbicides. Keep children and pets away from the area until the herbicide has dried.
FAQs
Q: Can I use vinegar to kill morning glory?
A: While vinegar can be effective at killing some types of weeds, it may not be strong enough to kill morning glory. It’s best to use a herbicide that contains glyphosate.
Q: Will morning glory come back after I kill it?
A: If you don’t remove the entire root system, morning glory can grow back. Make sure to pull the plant up by the roots or use a herbicide that will kill the entire plant, including the roots.
Q: Can I compost morning glory?
A: No, it’s not recommended to compost morning glory. The seeds can survive the composting process and will grow in your garden or lawn, spreading the problem.
Conclusion
Killing morning glory can be a frustrating task, but with the right methods, it’s possible to get rid of this invasive plant. Whether you choose to pull by hand, smother with mulch, or use herbicides, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and remove the entire root system to prevent future growth.