Timing is everything. That's particularly true with musk thistle control. And October to early November is one of the best times to use herbicides.

Did you have musk thistles this year? If so, walk out in those infected areas this week. I'll bet you find many thistle seedlings. Most thistle seedlings this fall will be small, in a flat, rosette growth form, and they are very sensitive now to certain herbicides. So spray this fall and thistles will not be a big problem next year. Several herbicides are effective and recommended for musk thistle control. Among the most effective are Tordon 22K and Grazon. But be careful with Tordon and Grazon since they also can kill woody plants, including trees you might want to keep. 2,4-D also works well while it's warm, but you will get better thistle control by using a little less 2,4-D and adding a small amount of Banvel to the mix. A new herbicide called Milestone is available this year that also looks very promising for controlling musk thistle and other thistles.

Other herbicides also help control musk thistles in pastures - like Redeem, Ally and Curtail. No matter which weed killer you use, though, be sure to read and follow label instructions, and be sure to spray on time. Next year, avoid overgrazing your pastures so your grass stands get thicker and compete with any new thistle seedlings.

Give some thought now to musk thistle control during October and November. Your pastures can be cleaner next spring.