I thought I would update you on my success on the eradication of Maretails /Horsetail. I have had a huge problem with Marestail if you read my original posts under my GW name "dizzylizzy" back in 2014, I tried the Kurtail for several years running which only ever burnt the tops off, aswell as the organic method of adding manure, growing marigolds and italian ryegrass but nothing even touched the sides. In fact, every year they grew back thicker.
So as this is a walled bed I decided I would turn it into a large compost heap and try and kill them that way. So I trampled them the stems, then I sprayed the compost accelerator (Please note: Ammonium Sulphamate- this is banned in the EU as a weedkiller but can be used as a compost accelerator) (1 kg mixed with 5 litres of water + squirt of washing-up liquid) onto my large walled bed in 2016 and as yet, have not had even one of the marestails for the 2nd year running. Usually by now I would have seen the periscope spores appearing followed by a mass of the green brush-like spikes.
Last year I still found the mass of brown boot lace roots which when snapped in half still made a crisp snap and were still green inside so was expecting them to appear, but no not one. I am still keeping an eye for them this year, as some of the roots are still there and are still slightly green inside- fingers crossed they wont make an appearance. Once I am certain the maretails are dead I will use the lovely soil mix around the garden- but for now it will be in quarantine and used as a compost heap for old potting compost, teabags and finely chopped plant material. Hopefully next year I will be able to turn it back into a very fertile walled flower bed!
The usual annual weeds and grasses are still growing happily, the few bulbs I had in there have multiplied lots this year and the bed is full of worms as before.
I will add a before and after Photo shortly.
Hi Tree Poppy - I have this dreaded Horse Tail appear this year - curious how your method worked now it is a few years on ? and any advice for patios - it has completely taken over one of mine. I worry about using chemicals because of my dog .. and the birds ..
There is certainly a way to get rid of it. A house at the top of our road had it growing under their garden fence and up through the tarmac on the pavement. I haven't seen it for years now so there must be a way🤔
I was directed here by somebody who kindly helped me with another problem re. bulbs.
I've tried everything in the front garden, where we have stones on visquene. I tried boiling water, burning it, double doses of weedkiller, combinations of those, and it still returned. It has the secret of eternal life in its DNA, I think, However, making up a vinegar solution, stamping on it, gently, so as not to break any piece off, then spraying with vinegar solution, possibly with 2 applications, seems to hold it back. Strange how something natural, like vinegar, has, at least some kind of effect !
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I've tried everything in the front garden, where we have stones on visquene. I tried boiling water, burning it, double doses of weedkiller, combinations of those, and it still returned. It has the secret of eternal life in its DNA, I think, However, making up a vinegar solution, stamping on it, gently, so as not to break any piece off, then spraying with vinegar solution, possibly with 2 applications, seems to hold it back. Strange how something natural, like vinegar, has, at least some kind of effect !
It doesn't work either. It will only kill the top growth temporarily. Sorry!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...