Topic: Paths encroaching with couch grass

[Psi (Pronounced 'Si'!)]

I have hand dug my plot - taking out as much couch as possible with some sucess - nothing much growing back at all.  Now, paths on each side are couch and they are trying to grow back into my plot.  I am checking this by weeding etc but this is all a bit time consuming - I'd just rather spend the time on my plot.  I am not sure of the ettiquette of getting rid of grass paths and suspect it would be frowned upon.  I am thinking of some vertical plastic barrier to stop the couch spreading horizontally into my plot but I am not sure how effective this is or where I could source the fabric...

What have other done and what are the chances of sucess?

Psi

[Gobby]

If you dig down about 10-12'' deep and leave a gap between path and planting beds, that should keep it in check quite well, as long as you keep it clear, i've found couch doesnt  like trying to jump a small gap. Neighbour has used old roof tiles around his border to act as a blocker, which looks nice, but will need to find some on freecycle for me to do it, as it woud work out fairly pricey.

[Unwashed]

Had the same prob, but couch doesn't like being mowed regularly and died out in the paths.  It made an effort to re-invade the plot, but that was easy to pull up, just took a few goes.

[ceres]

Like Gobby I trench the edges of my plot but nothing like as deep as 12".  I find around 6-8"" keeps the couch at bay.

[Hector]

we  banged in lengths of timber(from reclaim yard so cheap) Looks ok and hopefullly will hold it back

[Kea]

That's why I'm moving to raised beds! That way I can strim it without damaging my crops.

[1066]

Another vote for the trench from me, plus it helps with drainage - so a bonus for me!

[Psi (Pronounced 'Si'!)]

trenches it is - will see what I can do - might need to steal a little of the foot path (as I have raised beds) but hopefully no-one will miss an inch of path!  Anything to avoid constantly doing the edges and fighting the foot paths.

I'll also invest in a petrol strimmer to keep it in check - hopefully I can weaken the couch by cutting it extra low in hot weather??

Thanks all.

Psi

[Unwashed]

I'll also invest in a petrol strimmer to keep it in check - hopefully I can weaken the couch by cutting it extra low in hot weather?

Just strim the paths every couple of weeks, nothing too low.  Couch doesn't form a close sward like rye grass and it won't take much of this treatment.

[kt.]

Would this trench digging also ease marestail on the edges...... ??? ???