- Nut grass thrives in moist areas where drainage is poor. It is a perennial plant that dies back in the winter. Leaves and stalks wilt but underground tubers continue to grow and spread. They sprout again in spring when temperatures rise to 43 degrees Fahrenheit and above. The tubers survive for one to three years in the uppermost 6 inches of soil.
- Limiting nut grass tuber growth is a key to controlling this invasive weed. The plant does not form new tubers until it has more than six leaves. Remove the plant and dig out the tubers, every two to three weeks during summer to limit tuber development. Mature tubers sprout up to three times each. Nut grass does not grow well in the shade or in dry soil conditions.
- Molasses in liquid or dry form is used to control nut grass. It provides a sugar source for the beneficial microbes that inhabit soil. Molasses stimulates the decomposing action of microbes. The microorganism population in soil decomposes all organic matter, including nut grass tubers. Each teaspoon of healthy soil contains over 4 billion microorganisms. Nut grass turns yellow and wilts as the microorganisms eat the tubers.
- Dry molasses is applied at a rate of 5 to 10 lbs. per 100 square feet of the affected area. The dry molasses should be re-applied in two weeks. Results are seen in three weeks or more. Individual nut grass plants are treated by placing a handful of dry molasses on each one. Liquid horticultural molasses is applied at the rate of 1/4 to 1/2 cup per gallon of water.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -