Poison Ivy
July 2, 2007 by Organic Mama
In pursuit of an expanded garden this summer, Bob cut corn beds into what was previously part of our field. Unfortunately, lurking beneath the tranquil topsoil was plentiful, pernicious poison ivy. It’s everywhere in the cornbed and all along the outer edge. I’ve been eying it nervously these past few days until I could verify that this three-leafed, shiny miscreant was indeed the dreaded plant from hell. Now, I know, I have to ponder how to get rid of it. See it peeping out from beneath my corn?
Clearly, Ortho and Round*p and that entire spectrum of products are precluded, given the nature of the bed - I want to actually EAT that organic corn. So, my options are to don layers of clothes and latex gloves and pull every single specimen and dispose of it safely. I wish this were a quickie job, but since there are probably a hundred separate plants from Hades amongst my edibles, it is onward to the breach I must hasten. I have never had the misfortune to have been so rudely kissed by this plant, and I hope not to shatter that record now. If anyone has pertinent advice, I would be most grateful.
Good luck with the Poison Ivy. I’ve no good advice, other than to stay far far away, which as far as advice goes…pretty much sucks.
I do, however, HAVE to ask this question because it’s a saying here in Ohio. Is your corn knee high? Because here (I assume everywhere), we say corn is supposed to be “knee high by the 4th of July.”
Just checking.
How’re you doing without the kiddies? Let me know if I can offer any e-support, okay?
Thanks, Snob. Corn IS just about knee high, but it’s shielding that nasty-ass plant from hell. I really wish I COULD avoid it, but it’s war now and I mean to win safe access to my edibles. I hope to NOT regret them fighting words. : )
I miss the kids and I fight off the peripheral crankies fairly regularly, but I’m ok, thank you. I keep reminding myself that they love camp and that it’s a phenomenal experience for them. Then I go find some chocolate gelato. It’s coping, right?
Sorry, Babe. I’ve got nothing in the way of advice, but I certainly wish you lots of luck…
Till the whole thing under, nuke it with whatever you can tolerate and try again once you’re SURE that it’s all gone. I wish I were kidding. I’m very susceptible to it and, though I’m sure there’s no botanical reason this would be the case, I can feel my throat closing up just thinking about eating food that grew near it. Take no chances.
Thanks, Chili, methinks I will need luck. And thanks, Kizz for the advice. I honestly had not thought of any residual effects to crops grown in proximity to that hellacious stuff. I will have to deal with the poison ivy very carefully and may well have to write off the whole bed. I really DON’T want to, but I may have no choice. After hearing some horror stories - of people burning poison ivy vines and ending up in the hospital near death’s door - I am not inclined to take any chances. Feh.
Oh god no, don’t burn it! Spend some time on the internet or with a botanical specialist whose advice you’ll take and do some research before you do anything. It’s possible that your family may not have as bad an experience as mine does but I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
Can you imagine burning it?? I don’t know what that person was thinking, but it’s a mistake he won’t be repeating! I have consulted with my very own Earth Goddess (I left a message and await her call) and will not proceed until I can do so safely guided. I am sorry to hear you’ve had bad experiences with poison ivy - really it and mosquitoes and a host of other things makes me wonder about the questionable sense of humor of the Powers That Be.
Blame it all on Noah. HE had the chance to take care of at least the nasty bugs, and he didn’t bother…..
[...] Poison Ivy plagued us perniciously last year in a new corn bed. In an attempt to smother that noxious weed, [...]