 | Scott EckertHorticulture Extension Agent Your front door to the resources of Kansas State University. Information on trees, turf, shrubs, insects, gardens, and other related topics are available through our office. Services available are insect identification, plant identification, and soil tests with fertilizer recommendations. |
Little Barley
Description: Many people mistake little barley (Hordeum pusillum) for a little foxtail because the foxtail and little barley seedheads are similar. However, little barley is a winter annual that comes up in late September - October and spends the winter as a small plant. It thrives in the cooler spring temperatures, forms seed heads and dies out usually by July. Foxtail, on the other hand, is a summer annual that does well in hot weather. Also, foxtail will not produce seedheads until mid- to late-summer.
Recommendations: The best control for little barley is a thick lawn that is mowed high enough that sunlight does not hit the soil. Little barley seed will not germinate in such conditions. Overseeding in the fall can thicken up a tall fescue lawn and prevent a little barley infestation.
However, if you do not plan to overseed, preemergence herbicides can be used to provide at least partial control of this weed. Dimension (dithiopyr) is labeled for barley (Herodium spp.) which would include little barley and therefore can be used to keep this weed under control. Dimension can be found in several homeowner products including Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper and Bonide Crabgrass and Weed Preventer. Other products may contain Dimension in combination with fertilizer or broadleaf weed killers.
Because little barley is a winter annual that germinates in the fall, apply the preemergence herbicide in August and water in to activate. If overseeding, do not apply any preemergence herbicide as it will interfere with the germination of tall fescue.
Youth Veggie Garden Project
The Youth Veggie Garden Project is a free program for all youth in Harvey County who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade. Each youth participant receives several free plants and seeds to grow throughout the summer. After growing these plants, participants have the option of entering plants in the Harvey County Fair for display.
Gardening with kids is a great family bonding experience that can teach life skills, too. After learning to care for their garden throughout the summer, your child will feel great pride in their fair entries.
 | Missing a Newsletter? All your planting information is here. |
Helpful Links
What should I grow in my area?
Preferred Trees of South Central Kansas
Care Calendar for Tall Fescue Lawns
Pesticide Applicator Licensing
