News Summary
As winter sets in with cold weather, residents of Greenwood are facing a familiar foe: chickweed. This non-native weed thrives in the local climate, quickly spreading its presence in lawns and gardens. From curious chicken lovers to those seeking fresh flavors, the article discusses the prolific nature of chickweed, effective removal methods, and upcoming events at the Greenwood Extension Office that can help residents tackle this issue and learn about lawn care. Staying informed and proactive can help maintain beautiful lawns this winter.
Chickweed Checks: Tackling Those Pesky Winter Weeds in Greenwood!
Hey there, Greenwood residents! As the winter days roll in with their characteristic cloudy skies and highs around 56°F, we can’t help but notice those little green invaders popping up in our lawns. Yes, you guessed it right! We’re talking about the infamous chickweed, or scientifically known as Stellaria media. Whether it’s a few stray leaves or fistfuls brought into local offices in grocery bags, it seems like chickweed is the winter guest we never wanted.
All About Chickweed
So what’s the deal with chickweed? This non-native weed thrives in our region during these months, making it a common sight in many lawns and gardens. Chickweed boasts a low and spreading growth habit, with its eye-catching white flowers featuring five distinct V-shaped petals. You might’ve heard some folks call it starweed because of those delightful blooms. But did you know that this plant gets its name from a certain feathered friend? Chickens adore munching on it, hence the name “chickweed!”
Not just the chickens, though! Some green-thumbed individuals have taken to adding chickweed to their salads, raving about its fresh and green taste. But before you start foraging, take heed! You might want to tread carefully around herbicide exposure or ensure you’ve properly identified the plant you’re about to eat.
The Prolific Nature of Chickweed
As if its presence in our lawns wasn’t enough, a single chickweed plant can release tens of thousands of seeds! Talk about prolific! This means that once it takes hold, it could spread like wildfire. Thankfully, removing chickweed isn’t all that difficult. A simple pull from the ground is usually enough, as they tend to form large clumps from one main root.
Curing Your Chickweed Woes
With the winter weather expected to dip to a chilly 38°F tonight, and those pesky eastern winds blowing through, now is the time to act if you want to reclaim your lawn from chickweed. Your best bet is to pull out any maturing plants to prevent seeds from being released. And if you’re looking to be proactive, consider applying preemergence herbicides to your yard each fall, which can keep those weeds at bay before they even have a chance to sprout.
But remember, always follow the instructions on those herbicide labels! Safety first!
Event Highlights at the Greenwood Extension Office!
Join the team at the free Lunch and Learn presentation on February 18 from noon to 1 p.m. Discover valuable spring lawn care tips from the expert Horticulture Agent, Samantha Brown. Don’t forget to bring your own lunch or snack as you soak in the knowledge!
On February 19 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., a culinary knife skills workshop awaits eager participants. You’ll even get to whip up some delicious vegetable soup! Pre-registration is necessary, and there’s a small cost of $35.
Wrap up February with a delightful Coffee & Connect event on February 20 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. This is your chance to meet local agents, mingle, and enjoy some coffee! Be sure to register via the Greenwood Chamber website.
Stay Connected!
With an office located at 105 N. University St., the Greenwood Extension team is here for you weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.. If you have questions or need advice, feel free to reach out via email or phone. Let’s tackle that chickweed together and enjoy a vibrant lawn this season!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Chickweed Information from Extension
- Wikipedia: Chickweed
- Tree Owner Resources by ISA
- Google Search: Weed Control Methods
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chickweed
- Google Search: Herbicides for Winter Weeds
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
