How to Destroy Mint & Daylilies

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Mint and daylilies in moderation can make attractive ground cover plants; however, when they overtake a garden they become annoying weeds. Both plants are quite hardy, grow quickly, are drought resistant and need little care to maintain. As their steadfastness is a problem for gardeners, it is important to create a plan of attack that does not harm the other plants in the yard. Improper application of weed killers could kill your desired flora.

Difficulty:
Moderate

Instructions

Things You’ll Need
  • Spade
  • Herbicide
  • Garden hose
  • Vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Tarp
  • Mulch
    1. Dig with a spade one foot away from the perpetrating plants to loosen up the soil. Lift underneath the plants in order to get all of the root pieces. You can moisten the soil before digging up the roots to loosen the dirt and make root extraction less difficult.
    2. Purchase a herbicide that specifically kills either mint or daylilies. Selective herbicides are chemically formulated to kill with discretion and protect the other plants and grass in the yard.
    3. Choose a time to spray when you haven’t recently mowed the lawn or watered. Make sure that you don’t spray on a windy day, to avoid killing other plants or getting the chemicals on yourself. Spot-spray the mint or daylilies, or for larger areas, attach a hose to the herbicide bottle and spray.
    4. Use vinegar as an organic alternative to harsh chemicals. Vinegar decreases the pH balance of the soil and causes an inhospitable environment for mint and daylilies. Choose a sunny day with no chance of rain. Mix one cup of vinegar with half a cup of dish soap. Dish soap helps vinegar attach itself to the plants. Only spot-spray the mint or daylilies you are trying to kill. Repeat after a few days if you notice more plants.
    5. Smother large areas of mint and daylilies with a thick tarp. By preventing sunlight from hitting the plants, they will slowly die off. Place a tarp over the area and add a thick layer of mulch. Wait several weeks before lifting up the tarp. Only use this method when there are no other plants you want to keep in the area with the mint and daylilies.

Tips & Warnings

  • Be sure to remove all roots when digging up weeds. Any root pieces left behind will promote additional growth.

  • Use gloves and protective glasses when spraying weeds in large areas. Take off your shoes before entering your home to prevent the chemicals from getting on your floors.


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