Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), also known as moneywort, is a fast-growing, low-lying ground cover that can quickly take over your garden if left unchecked. While its bright green or golden-yellow leaves can add color to landscapes, its invasive nature can outcompete other plants, making it difficult to manage. If you’re looking to regain control of your garden, this guide will show you effective ways to get rid of Creeping Jenny using both manual and chemical methods.
Why is Creeping Jenny So Invasive?
Creeping Jenny spreads aggressively through its trailing stems, which root wherever they touch the ground. It can rapidly cover large areas, choking out other plants in flower beds, lawns, and gardens. Because it thrives in a variety of environments—shady, sunny, or wet conditions—it can be hard to stop its spread once established.
Non-Chemical Methods to Remove Creeping Jenny
If you prefer to avoid using chemicals in your garden, there are several effective manual methods for getting rid of Creeping Jenny. These techniques may require persistence, as Creeping Jenny’s underground rhizomes can be challenging to completely remove.
1. Hand Pulling and Digging
Hand-pulling is one of the most straightforward methods for removing Creeping Jenny, though it’s labor-intensive and requires thoroughness to prevent regrowth.
How to Hand-Pull Creeping Jenny:
- Loosen the soil: Use a garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil around the Creeping Jenny to make it easier to pull the plants out.
- Pull carefully: Grasp the plants near the base and gently pull them out, making sure to get as much of the root system as possible. Any remaining roots or rhizomes can regrow, so dig deep (6-8 inches) to get the entire plant.
- Dispose of the plants: Place the pulled plants in a bag and dispose of them in the trash. Do not compost Creeping Jenny, as it can regrow from even the smallest fragments.
- Repeat regularly: Even with careful removal, some rhizomes may be left behind. Check the area frequently and pull any new shoots that emerge.
2. Smothering with Mulch or Plastic
Smothering is an effective way to kill Creeping Jenny by depriving it of sunlight, which is crucial for photosynthesis. This method works best for larger areas where manual removal would be too time-consuming.
How to Smother Creeping Jenny:
- Cut back the plants: Mow or trim the Creeping Jenny to ground level to reduce the foliage.
- Apply a thick mulch layer: Cover the area with a thick layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, to block sunlight and suppress regrowth. Apply at least 4-6 inches of mulch for effective coverage.
- Use black plastic: Alternatively, you can use black plastic or landscape fabric to smother the plants. Secure the edges with rocks, bricks, or soil to ensure no light gets through.
- Monitor and maintain: Keep the area covered for an entire growing season or longer. Periodically check for any signs of regrowth around the edges and remove any shoots that appear.
3. Solarization
Solarization uses the heat of the sun to kill Creeping Jenny by raising the temperature of the soil to a level that destroys the roots and rhizomes.
How to Solarize the Area:
- Cut down the plants: Mow or cut the Creeping Jenny down to ground level.
- Cover with clear plastic: Use a clear plastic tarp to cover the affected area. The clear plastic allows sunlight to penetrate and trap heat, effectively “cooking” the plants and their roots.
- Seal the edges: Bury the edges of the plastic with soil to keep heat trapped inside.
- Leave for 4-6 weeks: Leave the plastic in place for 4 to 6 weeks during the hottest part of the summer. This method works best in sunny areas with high temperatures.
Chemical Methods to Remove Creeping Jenny
For larger infestations or areas where manual removal is impractical, chemical herbicides can be an effective option. Be cautious when applying herbicides, as they can harm nearby desirable plants.
1. Using Glyphosate-Based Herbicides
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that targets the entire plant, including the root system. It’s effective against tough, invasive species like Creeping Jenny, but it will also kill other plants, so use it carefully.
How to Apply Glyphosate:
- Trim the plants: Mow or trim the Creeping Jenny to ground level to expose fresh cuts.
- Apply herbicide: Spray or paint a glyphosate-based herbicide directly onto the remaining leaves and stems. Be careful to avoid spraying nearby plants, as glyphosate is non-selective and will kill any plant it touches.
- Wait and monitor: Glyphosate usually takes 2-3 weeks to show visible results. Reapply the herbicide if necessary, especially if regrowth occurs.
2. Selective Herbicides
Selective herbicides, such as those containing triclopyr, are designed to target broadleaf plants like Creeping Jenny without harming grasses. This makes them a good option for lawns or areas where you want to preserve grass while eliminating the invasive plant.
How to Use Selective Herbicides:
- Follow the label instructions: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as incorrect use can damage surrounding plants.
- Apply during active growth: The best time to apply selective herbicides is when the Creeping Jenny is actively growing in the spring or summer.
- Monitor for regrowth: As with any chemical treatment, multiple applications may be necessary to completely eradicate the plant. Check the area regularly and treat any new growth as it appears.
Preventing Regrowth of Creeping Jenny
Once you’ve removed Creeping Jenny from your garden, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from returning. Because the plant spreads through both seeds and rhizomes, it can easily reinfest areas if not managed properly.
1. Regular Monitoring
Check the treated area regularly for new shoots. Creeping Jenny can regrow from small rhizome fragments left behind in the soil. Remove any new plants as soon as they appear to prevent them from establishing.
2. Planting Ground Covers or Mulching
After removing Creeping Jenny, consider planting ground covers or applying mulch to suppress any remaining rhizomes and prevent new seeds from germinating. Dense ground covers like ivy, vinca, or pachysandra can outcompete Creeping Jenny and fill in the gaps in your garden.
3. Maintain Healthy Soil
Healthy, well-maintained soil discourages invasive plants. Regularly enrich your soil with organic matter and compost to support your desired plants and help them outcompete Creeping Jenny.
4. Lawn Care
If Creeping Jenny has spread into your lawn, keep the grass healthy and dense to prevent the plant from taking over again. Regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing help strengthen your grass, making it more difficult for invasive species to reestablish.
Conclusion
Creeping Jenny is a resilient and invasive plant that can quickly dominate your garden if not controlled. However, with persistence and the right combination of methods, you can successfully get rid of it and reclaim your garden space. Whether you choose manual removal, smothering, or herbicides, the key is to stay vigilant and address any regrowth as soon as it appears. By taking preventative steps, such as mulching and planting competitive ground covers, you can prevent Creeping Jenny from returning.
FAQs
- How long does it take to get rid of Creeping Jenny? It depends on the method and severity of the infestation. Manual removal or smothering can take several weeks to months, while chemical treatments may show results within a few weeks but may require multiple applications.
- Can I compost Creeping Jenny? No, it’s not recommended to compost Creeping Jenny because it can regrow from small root or stem fragments. Dispose of it in the trash to avoid reintroducing it into your garden.
- What is the best herbicide for Creeping Jenny? Glyphosate and selective herbicides like triclopyr are effective for killing Creeping Jenny. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging other plants.
- Does vinegar kill Creeping Jenny? Vinegar can kill young Creeping Jenny plants on contact, but it may not be effective against established plants with deep root systems. It’s best used for small areas or as part of a broader control strategy.
- Can Creeping Jenny grow in full shade? Yes, Creeping Jenny can thrive in both full sun and shade, making it particularly difficult to control. Its adaptability is one of the reasons it spreads so easily.
- How do I stop Creeping Jenny from spreading? Regular maintenance, including hand-pulling new shoots, applying mulch, and using barriers like landscape fabric, can help prevent Creeping Jenny from spreading. Competitive ground covers and healthy lawn care practices can also keep it at bay.