Topic: Tomato versus Couch grass

[Mouseski]

Does anybody have any experience in 'controlling' couch grass with outdoor tomatos? :-\

Reading through one of many allotment books, I found (Andi Clevely - The Allotment Book) a reference to planting tomatos to restrict couch grass growth.

Is this possible?

If so -which varieties?

Is this the end of my couch nightmare????????? :)

[Robert_Brenchley]

Interesting idea! I've pretty well got rid of my couch now, so I cant help, unfortunately.

[Baccy Man]

It is supposed to work with any varieties of tomatoes turnips or lupins that are planted very densely, don't expect the plants to yield much as they will be planted much closer together than they like. I think it is supposed to take 2-3 years before you kill off the couch.

[OllieC]

Ha ha ha.... lots of DFS adverts on this page! Couch Couch Couch. Strange.

[dtw]

I sprayed mine with glyphosate yesterday, so too late for me.
I'll have to plant tomatoes around the edge to stop it growing back.

Lupins may be a better option, as they won't need replanting every year.
I've still got a couple of plants left from last year which are coming up now.

[dtw]

No adverts for me, I've got the firefox javascript blocker. :D

[Deb P]

What about giving Tagetes Minuta a try?

 It's a Mexican marigold that grows to about 6' high with small flowers, and its root secretions are reputed to kill ground elder, bindweed and couch. I'm going to be growing it this year, having spent the last 6 months trying to rid my plot of couch to try and ensure it has a hard time coming back........ ;D

[Barnowl]

Like Deb P, I'm giving Tagetes Minuta a go this year - round my compost bins. Will report in due course.

[Mouseski]

Many thanks for sharing, I shall give everything a go! :)
 
Something has got to stop it!

Once again cheers, Mouseski

[saddad]

I've found the T Minuta moderately successful Deb...
 :)

[Barnowl]

Might have know Saddad would have got there first..... ;D