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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Mouseski on March 04, 2007, 14:51:54

Title: Tomato versus Couch grass
Post by: Mouseski on March 04, 2007, 14:51:54
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????????? :)
Title: Re: Tomato versus Couch grass
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on March 04, 2007, 14:57:28
Interesting idea! I've pretty well got rid of my couch now, so I cant help, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Tomato versus Couch grass
Post by: Baccy Man on March 04, 2007, 15:47:27
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.
Title: Re: Tomato versus Couch grass
Post by: OllieC on March 04, 2007, 16:09:53
Ha ha ha.... lots of DFS adverts on this page! Couch Couch Couch. Strange.
Title: Re: Tomato versus Couch grass
Post by: dtw on March 04, 2007, 16:10:47
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.
Title: Re: Tomato versus Couch grass
Post by: dtw on March 04, 2007, 16:12:24
No adverts for me, I've got the firefox javascript blocker. :D
Title: Re: Tomato versus Couch grass
Post by: Deb P on March 05, 2007, 11:23:31
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
Title: Re: Tomato versus Couch grass
Post by: Barnowl on March 05, 2007, 11:50:00
Like Deb P, I'm giving Tagetes Minuta a go this year - round my compost bins. Will report in due course.
Title: Re: Tomato versus Couch grass
Post by: Mouseski on March 07, 2007, 18:46:18
Many thanks for sharing, I shall give everything a go! :)
 
Something has got to stop it!

Once again cheers, Mouseski
Title: Re: Tomato versus Couch grass
Post by: saddad on March 07, 2007, 18:53:50
I've found the T Minuta moderately successful Deb...
 :)
Title: Re: Tomato versus Couch grass
Post by: Barnowl on March 08, 2007, 13:37:18
Might have know Saddad would have got there first..... ;D
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