How to Eradicate Russian Thistle
Russian thistle, also known as tumbleweed, is a non-native plant introduced to American from Russia in 1873. It is common in the western United States, having been inadvertently distributed along the Pacific coast by rail in the 1890s. It is commonly found in along highways and fences, in vacant lots, open fields and other areas where the soil remains untended for a time. It is generally not a problem in well-tended gardens or lawns. Russian thistle is best managed through a combination of preventive methods and active eradication. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Identify the area where the thistle is prevalent and cut down the existing plants. If the plants are along a fence, or in another place hard to reach with a lawnmower, use a weed cutter. This method is especially effective if the plants are young, before they have gone to seed.
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Spread the seed of a hardy ground cover such as clovers or grasses on the open soil there. In California, where Russian Thistle is most common, California Oat Grass would be a good replacement. Once these plants grow, they will prevent any new Russian Thistle plants from getting enough light and they won't be able to produce seed.
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Water the area you have seeded thoroughly. Russian Thistles do well in dry areas, but are not able to compete in better irrigated conditions with plants that use more water. If you keep tending the area and your new ground cover grows up healthy, the Russian Thistle will not come back.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not till the area you are seeding. Russian Thistle prefers loose soil, and may grow up before your other plants, if the soil conditions are right.
