Organic gardening is becoming more and more popular, but what if your plants are infested with poisonous insects? In this article, you get some suggestions on how to combat the problem.
What is Poison Ivy?
Poison ivy is a shrub or small tree that grows in U.S. forests, and in many other parts of the world. The leaves are arranged in clusters of three, and the bark is rough. The flowers are inconspicuous, and the fruit is a capsule. Poison ivy causes skin irritation, especially if it’s scratched.
Poison ivy can be a problem whether it’s growing in a garden or a wild area. The plant spreads through its root system through contact with soil or water and can grow rapidly in favorable conditions.
There are several ways to remove poison ivy from your garden:
Use an herbicide that specifically kills poison ivy: There are many different herbicides available that can kill poison ivy, including glyphosate (Roundup), triclopyr (Triclopyr), and dicamba (Banvel). Read the product label carefully before using it, as some herbicides can damage other plants as well. Aim the herbicide at the base of the plants where they grow underground; do not spray the leaves or flowers. For best results, wait until there is no visible green foliage before spraying, and avoid spraying when the wind is blowing. Note
Symptoms of Poison Ivy in Garden
If you are seeing any of the following symptoms in your garden, it is likely that you have Poison Ivy:
-Sensitive skin irritation
-Redness and swelling
-Blisters
Poison Ivy can also spread through contact with infected plants or their sap. If you spot any ivy on a tree, dig it up and remove the roots and all leaves. Burn the plant material if it is not possible to get rid of it.
How to get rid of Poison Ivy in your garden
Gardeners, beware! You may be unwittingly poisoning your plants with synthetic chemicals if you’re using conventional methods to remove poison ivy. Poison ivy can be a real pain to get rid of, but there are plenty of organic approaches that will work just as well or better. Here are four ways to get rid of poison ivy:
- Make a tea using equal parts vinegar and water. Pour the solution on the poison ivy plant, let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the poison ivy plant. Leave the paste on for about an hour before rinsing it off.
- Vaporize the poison ivy leaves with a hairdryer set on high heat. Be careful not to burn yourself!
- Make a garlic paste and apply it to the poison ivy leaves. Leave the paste on for about an hour before rinsing it off.
Homemade Solutions for Removing Poison Ivy
If you have poison ivy growing in your garden, there are a few things you can do to remove the plant without using harmful chemicals. One option is to use a homemade solution made of baking soda and water. Soak a cloth in this solution and wring it out well. Apply the cloth to the tops of the poison ivy plants and wait until the solution dries. Then peel off the cloths and discard them. This method is effective if you only have a small amount of poison ivy growing, but it’s not always possible to get rid of the entire plant using this technique. If you have a larger amount of poison ivy, you can try using an herbicide that contains glyphosate. Make sure to read the label carefully before using this method, as some herbicides contain other ingredients that could also be harmful if sprayed on your skin or into your eyes.
