How to Control Lepidium Campestre

Healthy, Dense Lawn

• Control the growth of Lepidium campestre by maintaining a healthy, densely grown lawn. An established and vigorously growing lawn crowds out annual weeds by depriving the newly developing weeds of moisture and nourishment. Overseed or reseed the lawn each season. Cut the grass short and rake it vigorously, mix grass seed with topsoil and spread it across the target area. Spread peat moss on top and press it down with a lawn roller. Keep the lawn moist for several weeks.

Treating Lepidium Campestre Manually

• Identify the annual weed invading your lawn or garden as field pepperweed so you can target and treat it specifically. Pull out the plant by its long taproot or use a sharp-bladed hoe to cleanly slice the root just below the surface of the ground. Address field pepperweed infestation immediately after it begins growing early in the season before it reaches 3 inches tall. This prevents the weed from seeding and spreading.

Pre-emergence Herbicide

• Address emerging pepperweed or areas historically prone to pepperweed growth before it seeds. Cut the lawn short and rake it thoroughly so the herbicide reaches the ground. Apply a granular preemergence herbicide to the weeds with a fertilizer spreader. Treat the lawn by applying one-half the amount of preemergence herbicide as directed on the package. Spread one-half of the recommended quantity of herbicide on the lawn in one direction and apply the other half at a right angle to the first application.

Post-emergence Herbicide

• Treat field pepperweed that has matured and seeded with a selective postemergence herbicide, adhering strictly to label directions. Apply the herbicide in early fall or spring when there is no wind, the temperature range is between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and rain is not predicted for at least 48 hours after application. Nonselective postemergence herbicides kill or injure plants indiscriminately. Use extreme caution when applying it around grass, flowers, shrubs or trees.