Creeping Charlie by a Lake: Skip Sugar, Try Physical + Cultural Control

Minnesota lakefront homeowner: neighbor uses Ferti-lome (chemical), but lake risk concerns. Asks about sugar, dry molasses, corn gluten meal for creeping Charlie.

Myth busting:

• Sugar: No weed control. Myth.
• Dry molasses: Feeds microbes, no weed kill.
• Corn gluten meal (CGM): Pre-emergent only—stops *seeds*. Creeping Charlie spreads by stolons (runners). CGM useless on established plants.
• Boron: Research-backed for creeping Charlie (MN lab), but **lake contamination risk**—don't use near water.

What works:

1. Physical removal: Thatch rake pulls stolons. Repeat. Bag debris.
2. Cultural: Perennial rye, mowed tall (3.5″), thick stand → suppresses ground ivy (1987 French study).
3. Spot treatment: If allowed, targeted broadleaf herbicide (triclopyr + 2,4-D) on calm days, shield sprayer.

Lake stewardship = accept some weeds, remove physically, thicken grass. No magic organic bullet.