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Marestail Problem .

Terry29Terry29 Posts: 58
in Problem solving

I am hoping for some advice on how to get rid of marestail that seems to be popping up on my allotment in increasing numbers . All I have tried so far is just cutting it back as it pops up but this seems to have little or no success . At the moment the affected area has been covered over for a couple of months but I know that will not solve the problem , plus I will loose valuable growing space next season . I live in hope that someone on this forum has defeated this beast in the past and can pass on the remedy . 

Many thanks . 

Posts

  • glasgowdanglasgowdan Posts: 632
    Even with weed killer it'll come back from other roots in the ground, and if you're going to have this area planted up it'll be impossible to control this way anyway. My advice would be to grow something study and large in this area, and pull up the horse tail when it gets big and shows through. Runner beans, pumpkins/courgettes etc.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Sorry to disappoint you Terry.... :/
    Keeping at bay is all you can really do. I think various people have found some success in having raised beds with a barrier fabric in the base. It won't stop it - but it keeps it diverted a little bit, and outside the planted areas where you can hoe it off etc. 

    It'll survive the nuclear war when it happens - you have to admire it slightly.... ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Bagpuss57Bagpuss57 Posts: 256
    It is a prehistoric plant so we are not going to win this battle! My neighbour has it growing in the gravel all over the drive and it spreads like crazy. I've managed to keep it at bay in my drive by first stamping on the leaves to crush or bruise them. Then pour thick bleach over them and it kills them off, for awhile at least.  But if there are any roots still there you'll never get rid of it,  it's just a case of keeping on top of it before it overtakes, everywhere!! Bleach is relatively cheap and works just as well as the most expensivive weed killer if not better, but I only use it on my gravel drive so wouldn't advise using it near plants you want to keep! 
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