What is the best way to get rid of goatheads without killing everything else in your garden?

Question

What is the best way to get rid of goatheads without killing everything else in your garden?

Answer 1

Pulling them before they flower and then go to seed is a really good idea.  We fight them where I live (thanks to new construction for bringing them to us).  Also, if you spray them with vinegar mixed with some dish soap (so it sticks to the plant), this works well.  Just don't let the vinegar get on other vegetation.  The vinegar dehydrates the plant (works especially well if the plant is small and on a hot day).

Answer 2

Pull plants that have already seeded. It is best to get to them when they are still small and haven't produced burs yet. Try digging them out or pulling them out in the early morning or after a rain when the ground is soft. Pick up any plants carefully so the seed isn't left behind and dispose of them

Step2

Use a propane burner to kill the plants and the seeds. Be sure to check with local authorities to be sure that burning is allowed before doing so and exercise caution if you can burn the section of weeds. Follow the instructions for the propane burner carefully.

Step3

Spray goat head vine with an herbicide. You will need to be careful of surrounding vegetation if you go this route, but spraying early and often will help control its growth and spread. Use the herbicide only as directed on the package or bottle.

Step4

Encourage the growth of other vegetation in the same area. Goat head vine does not compete well with other vegetation and it may weaken when other strong growers are introduced.

Step5

Release goat heat weevils onto the plants. These weevils only eat goat head vine and although they probably will not get rid of the plant on their own, they can help control it.