Knowledge from Olle Garden Bed: How to Prevent The Spread of Invasive Plants

Invasive species are non-native plants (or animals) that will cause economic damage or harm to local ecosystems and species. Invasive plant control methods require a lot of manpower and can be expensive. Everyone can do their part to slow down or stop the spread of these destructive plants. The following content also has some reference value for raised garden beds.

How do invasive species spread?

Most invasive species are accidentally spread to new areas, but many are deliberately brought from other countries. Some species spread from one area to another and are considered invasive at new sites.

Invasive plants and animals enter the new area in the form of ship ballast water, firewood and transport pallets, as well as plants sold in nurseries. Many invasive plants are considered to be a problem because once they enter the environment, they will spread rapidly and crowd out native species

For example, in Michigan wetlands, purple loose conflict is a problematic invasive plant. It spreads rapidly by producing and spreading a large number of seeds and by easily separating roots to plant new plants. Cardinal flower is a native wetland species with small seeds and short life cycle, so it is difficult to compete.

Prevent the spread of invasive species

Killing invasive plants is a difficult task. Like human health, prevention is the best medicine. Family gardeners can do several things to help prevent the spread and avoid the need for extensive removal of invasive plants in the future:

1. Learn about your plants. Knowledge is power. Find out which plants are invasive and native plants in your area. Your local extended office can provide you with this information. When you purchase new plants from the nursery, only local species or non invasive non local species are selected.
2. Clean your gear. If you go hiking, please clean your shoes before leaving the area. They sowed seeds. Fishing gear can also carry hitchhiking aquatic plants, so wipe it clean before leaving the lake. Even your car and tires will bring invasive species to new areas.
3. Planting local people in the disturbed areas. Any area of your property that is disturbed by tree removal or construction is a major target for intruders. Rapidly repopulate these areas with native species to help them take root.
4. Act quickly. If you find intrusion in the garden or property, please remove it quickly. They spread rapidly and will be difficult to eliminate in the future. Removal methods vary from species to species - pulling, choking, mowing, chemical control - so discuss the best way to get rid of them with your extended office.
5. Volunteers. In many states, departments responsible for natural resources look for volunteers to help control invasive species on public lands. Join a volunteer team to remove plants and slow their spread.