How To Cut Back Loosestrife And Should It Be Kept

Question From: A. Martin - Baldwin, New York, United States
Q: Should I cut down my loosestrife this fall, and if yes how far down. I want to neaten up my garden, not that interested in leaving "winter interest".

A: If you're referring to purple loosestrife, the bad news is it is very invasive and should not be grown in your garden. Here is a website that will give your the straight skinny in the New York area: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ny/technical/ecoscience/invasive/?cid=nrcs144p2_027384. If you decide to keep it, cut it back to the ground and put the refuse in the garbage to lessen reseeding. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy