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Totton Allotments and Gardens Association

Totton Allotments and Gardens Association

Problem weeds

Couch grass

Couch grass is a very difficult weed to eradicate without the use of chemicals. It looks like  a tuft of ordinary grass, but underneath the ground the roots form a dense network. It spreads rapidly by means of thin, wiry and sharp-ended rhizomes. It is important when digging this weed out  not to break off any of the roots as it will produce new shoots in spring and autumn that quickly produce tufts of leaves and more rhizomes.

Normal grass on the left. Couch grass on the right notice the difference in the root structure.

I still have a small amount of  couch grass on my plot which spreads from the paths. I have found that if I am careful when digging and not leave any root tips in the ground  it can be kept under control. Once removed the roots can be dried in the sun and burnt on a bonfire. I must confess that I do derive some pleasure seeing these weeds  going up in smoke.

Alternately you can bag the roots up and take them to the local tip. Under no circumstances be tempted into putting them in you compose bin as you will pay the price later in the growing season when you find that instead of having good compost you have a heavily matted ness of couch.

Bindweed and nettles Click here