Hi there this seems to be the same weed as I have on my allotment we call it horsetail and it is impossible to get rid of. Roots go down a very long way they are black in colour and break of very easy spreading new plants.
I have horsetail/marestail all over my allotment. I took it on last year and have noticed it grows best on uncultivated soil so keep digging and improving the soil. Ammonium Sulfamate can knock it back if sprayed on after strimming but it's only sold as a compost accelerator now. It worked pretty well on the areas where I accidentally spilt some last autumn...
We have planted red onion sets on our allotment and have noticed that there are small larvae in the above ground part between the leaves. I'm assuming this is the leaf moth/ minor that ruined our leeks last year but I wasn't expecting it to effect the onions. We live in Staffordshire and I know this is an affected area. I'm wondering if the onion bulb will be affected or whether to to give up and dig them up now ? My daughter and I are planted 100 sets together and we will be gutted if we lose them!
I was wondering why all the advice given for weeding is to use a hoe and chop off the green part which leaves the root in tact. Surely the roots which just regrow again if not pulled out individually, which I agree is hard work but surely essential for a weed-free veg patch. Any advice would be gratefully received as I am newcomer to grow your own.
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sheila
http://caughtinthemiddleman.wordpress.com/2008/01/25/the-good-life/