You will note that it states that digging it out in borders can be difficult,
"..... Although rhizomes growing near the surface can be forked out, deeper roots will require a lot of excavation. Shallow, occasional weeding is not effective and can make the problem worse, as the plant can regrow from any small pieces left behind. However, removing shoots as soon as they appear above the ground can reduce infestation if carried out over a number of years....." (my italics)
The RHS article goes on to say ".... Infestations of horsetail can be weakened with weedkiller....." and gives the name of various weedkillers containing glyphosate, and notes about usage.
The article stresses "....Remember: horsetail is persistent, and several applications – possibly over a number of years – may be necessary to completely eradicate the problem....." (my italics).
It is widely accepted that while neither method is a quick solution, both will give the assiduous gardener a degree of control.
As for moles - I'm afraid I have no real answer - when we had moles in a previous garden they were dealt with efficiently and ruthlessly by our big ginger cat.
Brenda, I've checked with my Aunty down under and she can't see any sign of mine there yet, I was hoping she could pull from her end to sort the problem
Yesterday I spent almost 2 hours pulling up the 'bit' that had grown back with the rain on my veg patch. I dug over soil I haven't sown seeds on and took out as many roots as I could. I also removed some of the small slabs I use as a pathway so there is less to keep the roots warm! I think it is just a matter if keeping on top of it and pulling out roots as much as possible.
Pain in the backside, but worse things happen at sea as they say
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This is what the RHS has to say on the subject of horsetail/marestail https://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=257.
You will note that it states that digging it out in borders can be difficult,
"..... Although rhizomes growing near the surface can be forked out, deeper roots will require a lot of excavation. Shallow, occasional weeding is not effective and can make the problem worse, as the plant can regrow from any small pieces left behind. However, removing shoots as soon as they appear above the ground can reduce infestation if carried out over a number of years....." (my italics)
The RHS article goes on to say ".... Infestations of horsetail can be weakened with weedkiller....." and gives the name of various weedkillers containing glyphosate, and notes about usage.
The article stresses "....Remember: horsetail is persistent, and several applications – possibly over a number of years – may be necessary to completely eradicate the problem....." (my italics).
It is widely accepted that while neither method is a quick solution, both will give the assiduous gardener a degree of control.
As for moles - I'm afraid I have no real answer - when we had moles in a previous garden they were dealt with efficiently and ruthlessly by our big ginger cat.
The RHS has some suggestions here https://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=203
Good luck
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Do you think a small willow plantation, with the intention of coppicing would help
Brenda, I've checked with my Aunty down under and she can't see any sign of mine there yet, I was hoping she could pull from her end to sort the problem
Yesterday I spent almost 2 hours pulling up the 'bit' that had grown back with the rain on my veg patch. I dug over soil I haven't sown seeds on and took out as many roots as I could. I also removed some of the small slabs I use as a pathway so there is less to keep the roots warm! I think it is just a matter if keeping on top of it and pulling out roots as much as possible.
Pain in the backside, but worse things happen at sea as they say