weed regrowth. By using fertilizer he forces his crops to grow faster
than the weeds. The home gardener can basically use the same
techniques except for the use of herbicides. He usually has a
variety of crops in small plots so that he is limited to herbicides
that are safe for a wide spectrum of plant species. Also there is
practically no equipment for applying herbicides in small, irregular-
ly shaped plantings as occur in the home garden. However, these
problems do not completely eliminate the use of herbicides by
the gardener.

 Familiarity with herbicides and their usage is absolutely
essential before they can be safely applied. A definition of some
terms relating to herbicides will probably help. All weeds are
divided into two groups -- annuals and perennials. Annual weeds,
such as amaranth, germinate, grow, flower, set seed and then die
in a single growing period. Perennial plants will live for more than
one growing season, usually surviving unfavorable growing periods


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as underground parts such as roots, tubers or rhizomes. A pre-
emergence herbicide is one that must be applied before the emer-
gence of weeds from the soil. A post-emergence herbicide must be
applied after the weeds are up and actively growing.

 In the actual application of herbicides there are two cardinal
rules. The first is to identify the weed problem correctly so that
you can select the right herbicide. The second rule is to read
the label of the herbicide carefully and follow application direc-
tions diligently. Actually it is against the law to apply any pesti-
cide,including herbicides, in any other way.

 If annual weeds are the major problem, pre-emergence
herbicides will be helpful. Pre-emergents must be applied as soon
after cultivation as possible. Sprinkler irrigation or rainfall is
usually needed to leach in and activate these herbicides. Some
pre-emergence herbicides that can be used are Treflan (R), Dacthal
(R), and Amiben (R).

 Perennial weeds such as Bermuda grass and Nutgrass are more
difficult problems for the gardener. Constant removal of these
weeds by hand will reduce their vigor. This is tough work but often
the only solution. Close spacings of plants will also help control
perennial weeds. The number of herbicides for controlling these
weeds are few and often unavailable to the gardener. Two or
three applications of paraquat may be effective. The relatively
new herbicide, glyphosate, such as in RoundUp (R) or Ortho
Kleenup (R), can also be used effectively against perennials.

 All herbicides except glyphosate do have a tendency to
build up in the soil with repeated use and the result can be a
concentration that is lethal even for tolerant crop or ornamental
plants. It is therefore advisable to keep the use of these chemicals
to a minimum as part of a well planned weed control program that
includes other methods as well.

 A complete control program for the gardener can include
herbicides but a few simple guidelines must be kept in mind.
Combine all three methods -- mechanical, biological, and chemical.
Make good use of mulches; they will greatly reduce weeds if
properly applied. Hand weeding and mulching are the safest and
most effective methods of controlling weeds. All others, while
less laborious, have some disadvantages. It is not, therefore, neces-
sary to rely entirely on the hoe. To protect the environment, use
only the recommended herbicide at the rate directed on the label.
Finally, prepare planting sites properly and maintain your plants
so that they grow faster and better than the weeds.
Mention of product names in no way endorses the use of the
product.


 OCHOA

FERTILIZER CO., INC.


 G.P.O. BOX 3128
 SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO 00936

 Tel: 723-3705

 FERTILIZERS HERBICIDES
 INSECTICIDES FUNGICIDES
 SULFURIC ACID AND OTHER
 INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS