Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Weeds weeds and more weeds

sharkcatsharkcat Posts: 6
in Problem solving
Hi I’m new here , sorry if this post is wrong. I have an average sized garden which is currently all black membrane with pink stones on top but I have loads of quite large leafy weeds which have burst through the membrane. If left they can grow quite large. I am planning on removing the stones and membrane and just grass my garden. The roots on some of these weeds are almost tree like as they have been groaning for many years. How can I identify what weed I have and how can I kill them or do I need to dig them out by the root

Posts

  • sharkcatsharkcat Posts: 6

  • sharkcatsharkcat Posts: 6
    This is the weed in question
  • sharkcatsharkcat Posts: 6

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Those are Docks (Rumex species.)  They are a pain to remove - see the RHS advice here:
    I try and avoid weedkillers these days, but in this case I'd use one.  If you choose glyphosate, it works best if applied while they are growing strongly in spring.  You could treat them now and then again in spring, as I expect they'll be back if sprayed now.  Wait until they are brown and dry before removing the tops as the weedkiller needs at least 2 weeks to get from the leaves to the roots, which is what you need to eradicate.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • sharkcatsharkcat Posts: 6
    Thanks for your reply Bob, some of the roots can be about 3 inches thick is that normal or is that just years of growing
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Yes, years of growing and having the tops cut off, probably.  They were probably there before the membrane was put down and may even be the reason that was done, but have defeated it.  Whatever you do, don't rotavate the area or they'll be even more as every tiny piece of broken root is capable of growing into another plant.  The same applies if manually digging them up, and the tap root can go down several feet..
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Those leaves look like Horseradish to me, especially the first picture.  The roots will have a very pungent smell if you cut them. I agree you will have to try a weedkiller. In time of you can establish grass regular mowing will eventually weaken them enough. 
    AB Still learning

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    If it’s horseradish (and it does look a lot like it) the smell from the roots will bring tears to your eyes and make your nose tingle. We grew it in the veg patch on the farm when I was a child. 

    Delicious to peel and mince to make your own horseradish sauce to eat with roast beef and smoked fish  … but it is deep rooted and tenacious. 

    I would transplant some or take root cuttings and plant  it in an area where it can be controlled … as for the rest, I would think regular mowing and spot treatment with glyphosate or SBK brushwood killer ought to beat it eventually. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • sharkcatsharkcat Posts: 6
    Thanks for all your comments. I have googled horseradish and yes that’s looks like what I have. I’m guessing someone has planted this years ago then moved house and every since anybody living at the house has just ignored it and now it’s like an infestation.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited August 2021
    When you dig it up you  could  make pots of horseradish sauce base and give it as Christmas presents … my Pa made pots of it every year. 

    https://www.allotment-garden.org/recipe/236/horseradish-sauce-recipe/


    You might want to wear swimming goggles when you grate it. Some folk find it makes their eyes sting like strong onions. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





Sign In or Register to comment.