Creeping Charlie weed is a green vine whose leaves are round with scalloped edges and has a small purple flower.
Tools Needed to get rid of Creeping Charlie:
- Weed trimmer
- bow rake
- garbage bag
- 1 large container
- shovel
- 1 cubic foot of compost
- 2 lbs of good quality grass seed
- water
- straw (optional)
Before beginning removal, let the creeping charlie grow slightly high.
The best time to get rid of Creeping Charlie is after a good rain.
Step 1:
Using a weed trimmer, run the trimmer over the top leaf/flower and get as low to the soil level as possible. If using a mower, use the lowest setting.
Step 2:
Use the bow rake to pull up any loose Creeping Charlie vines still on the ground.
Step 3:
Collect all the Creeping Charlie in a pile and discard into a garbage bag.
Don’t be surprised if after removing the Creeping Charlie there are bare spots left on your lawn.
Step 4:
Mix the compost and grass seed together.
Step 5:
Pour the compost/seed mix onto the area.
Using the flat side of the bow rake, spread the mix and rake evenly.
You should have a layer about 1-2 inches high.
Step 6:
Water until moist. Do not soak the mix or cause puddles to form.
Cover with straw. (0ptional)
Let the new grass grow fairly tall before the first mowing.
Tip: Be picky about the compost you choose.
If you don’t have your own home made available, purchase good quality. You don’t want compost full of weed seeds.
About the author:
Edith (Edie) Henderson-Villegas is from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
She is currently a college student studying horticulture.
She is in the beginning stage of starting a native plant business called Let’s Get Native.
Mytyl says
This photo of creeping charlie surprised me! Both in Wisconsin and New Jersey, it has been instead a short purple wildflower they call a creeping charlie weed instead. And the purple wildflower is so pretty, why even complain?
Dottie says
In Connecticut it’s called Jill-over-the-ground. At least that’s what mom always called it
Margot McMillen says
I LOVE Creeping Charlie! My husband and I encourage it to take over our whole yard! Free ground cover that stays green and doesn’t require water! What’s not to like?
Betty Alderson says
HOW CAN I GET THE RECIPE FOR THE FREE DIRT COMPOST?
I CAN’T BRING UP THE WEB PAGE TO GET IT.
CAN YOU E-MAIL IT TO ME.
THANK YOU,
BETTY
Sharon says
https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2014/03/mike-mcgroartys-secret-bed-building-and-potting-soil-recipe/