Ragweed season: Let the misery begin

Weed early and weed often to eradicate ragweed
from your garden (Photo: Virginia Tech Weed ID
Guide)

From now until the first frost is officially ragweed season, especially in the eastern states and the Midwest. But that's not something to celebrate. One ragweed plant can produce up to a billion pollen grains. That adds up to a lot of misery.

If you're not one of the 10 to 20 percent of the population that is allergic to ragweed, you probably know somone who is. You know the signs: headache, stuffiness, itchy, watering eyes and, well, overall grouchiness (at least in my case).

Climate change experts say that the rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide gases in the atmosphere are helping to create an even more hospitable environment for Ambrosia artemisiifolia, common ragweed.

Common ragweed, isn't just bad for your sinuses and general disposition. Left unchecked it can wage an offensive and take over your garden.

Don't be seduced by the yellow flowers. If you find some ragweed, follow these steps for the most successful removal:

• Water generously around the plant to soak the soil around the roots.
• Gently cover any flowers with a bag to prevent spreading the pollen.
• Use a weeder or digging knife to dig deeply into the ground around the plant to remove the stalk and any roots.
• Dispose of the plant in the garbage. Do not compost.
• Keep an eye on the location and remove any new weeds forming as they grow.

Don't be surprised if ragweed returns again and again, like a bad dream. Seeds can remainin the soil for years and grow once the soil is disturbed, exposing them to light.

As with any garden weed, the best advice is to weed early and weed often.

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