Higgs Boson said:


I'm about to put in a flat of Dymondia, which I'm using on a seldom-used
path to a side fence instead of stepping stones. I'm assured that after it
takes hold and the individual parts merge, it's trouble & maintenance free.

Nursery guy was very emphatic that I put down "pre-emergent"
whatchacallit AFTER the flatis in. Says I'll be sorry if I don't as weeds will
(my term) overwhelm the ground cover.

I've never used this stuff, so nervous about putting it on top of the
Dymondia.

Any experience out there?

You put a pre-emergent on after you completly finish working the soil
and watering in your transplants because working the soil *after* using
a pre-emergent will negate its usefulness.

I don't use them myself, but was willing to advise my octagenarian
mother to use it in her (tiny) courtyard because hand weeding was
no longer a real option for her. And she has been very happy with
the results; her perennials are stronger than ever, and the few annuals
she puts in each year are fine. It was a far better option than giving
up her little garden entirely.

As for Dymondia, I couldn't turn up any warnings *against* using
a pre-emergent with it, but found plenty of recommendations *for*
doing so. You could go the chemical route (such as Pendulum (R))
or try something like Corn Gluten Meal.

You'll probably also have to consider repeating it at intervals until
the ground cover is very well established, especially if the soil
is ever disturbed by digging animals or such.
--
Pat in Plymouth MI

"Yes, swooping is bad."

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