When is the best time to control winter annuals like chickweed and henbit?

Controlling winter annuals such as chickweed and henbit is most effective when targeting them between mid-fall and early winter. During this period, these plants are in their earliest growth stages and are actively germinating. Applying control measures at this time takes advantage of their vulnerability as they have not yet entered their mature growth phase.

Timing is crucial because if control measures are applied too late, such as in early spring, the plants could already be well-established and more resilient to treatment. Throughout the summer and in late winter, these plants may not be in their ideal growth stage for effective control, making it harder to manage their spread and influence on the garden or landscape. Therefore, the mid-fall to early winter window provides the best opportunity for successful management of these winter annuals.