Topic: Ahhh! Couch Grass - the bane of my life (and my allotment).

[greenfingered fiend]

My plot is the eyesore of my allotment. I just cannot keep up with the amount and speed that it grows. It is the ruin of me.

I really need some good advice on how to get rid of it. I'd love to be organic about this but I figure the only organic method is "hands and knees". I'm not sure I have the back for it.

Would black membrane/sheeting really work?

Thanks.

Steve.

[saddad]

I doubt it Steve... but I'm a dig it man...
If things have got really bad use something like Amcide to kill off most of it..

[norfolklass]

if you cover couch grass you can slow it down and stop it taking over your plot so quickly. it doesn't kill it but it does weaken it. I've got a few bits of carpet and some black weed membrane on parts of my plot, and when I peeked under it the other day the bindweed, nettles and couch grass were still there but very pale and definitely struggling ;D

but it will still be alive and you'll have to either dig it out or treat it with chemicals... up to you!

good luck :)

[davyw1]

Perhaps this will help

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/allotment/couch-grass-1.asp

[greenfingered fiend]

Thanks all for your input. The latter idea sound good except for the rotavator bit - I also have bindweed to contend with.

GF.

[telboy]

Loads of info. in the search.
If you have time & patience, cover the offending area with black poly. Not quite the right time of year - hence the comment.
Black poly is the most effective solution - if you have the time & patience!

[Robert_Brenchley]

Dig it in well round the edges, otherwise you can end up with roots running right in under it, and it all comes back like lightning when you lift the plastic.

[telboy]

Very true R-B,
Every year as the grass borders get up to speed, I spray roundup(sorry to those who disapprove) all around the edges of the plots. 'Couch' will be restained for the rest of the Season.