Creeping Jenny Control: What Is The Best Way To Manage Creeping Jenny

Creeping jenny, also called moneywort, is a long, crawling plant that can spread very tenaciously. It is often mistaken for creeping charlie. Only reaching about 2 inches (5 cm.) in height, this plant can grow to 2 feet (61 cm.) long and has an unusually extensive root system. Once it’s established, it can be hard to get rid of and will crowd out or strangle plants that get in its path. It is because of this, unless you specifically want it as groundcover in a spot where nothing else grows, you should work on controlling creeping jenny as soon as you spot it. Keep reading to learn more about how to get rid of creeping jenny in the garden.

Best Way to Manage Creeping Jenny

Creeping jenny control is not always easy, and it’s not always quick. If the plant is established in your yard, it may take two growing seasons to eradicate it. The best method of creeping jenny control is a combination of physically removing the plant and applying herbicides. Dig up every new plant you find and spray an herbicide. New plants will emerge every few weeks – so keep pulling them up and spraying. Creeping jenny’s roots are very extensive and deep, so it will keep sprouting for quite some time. If you can, dig up plants before they flower, as failing to do so will result in lots of seeds and even more vigorous spread. Another method of controlling creeping jenny is starving it of light. After digging up all visible plants, lay down a thick layer of mulch or black plastic. With any luck, this will keep the roots from putting up new shoots and eventually kill them. You might be able to achieve the same effect by filling the area with hardy plants well suited to the climate, like native grasses. These should put up more of a fight against the creeping jenny and help to block it from receiving light. Note: Chemical control should only be used as a last resort, as organic approaches are more environmentally friendly.