Re: winter weeding

Apr. '94 AIS Bulletin p. 25
"Growing Bearded Irises" by Phil Williams (Tennessee)

and I QUOTE:  "The approach of spring (who can resist 70 degree
temperaturres in February and March?) makes on itch to start weeding and
preparing for spring bloom.  But....beware, eager beavers! In Tennessee
witner oftne is just warming up for the big chill (or perhaps , KILL)!!!!
Therefore, the first warning to the wise is to sit tight and leave thsoe
winter weeds in palce, for they will provide surprisingly good protection
from those late freezes.  Better that you brush off the lawn chairs int he
garage and enjoy preparing new garden makers while enjoying the warmth fo
that deceptive sunshine.
	Ther will many warmups such as thes and by early April your
finished markers can be put into place with little danger of further
heaving out of the ground.  This is also and excellent time to pull out
those planting charts, aming sure that your plots are properly aligned and
that all is well.
	Sin I do NOT use pre-emergent herbicieds, a rainy spring can make
for rampant weed growth.  My first weeding is usually 6-12" around each
plant.  When plainting in rows, a similar band of weeding might be
appropriate.  I have learned to practice this ritual as a precaution
against a sudden warmup and emergence of stalks from the rhizomes.  If
stalks are already on the way up, no one can properly weed without
destroying thses precious idols of adoration.  A second round of weeding
can finish off those vegetative demons away from the foliage and stalks.
As this second attack ensues, one can easily princh away newly emerging
weeds that threaten to shadow the rhizomes and bloom stalks."

it would seem to me that the weather in Oklahoma would  pretty much mimic
that of Tennessee..as the bloom times coincide and I lived in Tenn myself
fffor all my life until two yrs ago....  just a quote and sage advice from
a man who has been growing irises longer thatn most folks in AID.....


*****	*****	*****	*****	*****	*****	*****	*****	*****	*****
Gary D. Sides  south central MASS   USDA 5    Auburn (just outside Worcester)
[172 Frost Free Days]  gdsides@160.91.128.2   Rebloom is Up and Coming!
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