Reeds

[Petits Pois]

Hi First post so please bear with me

I took on my plot about this time last year and it hadn't been used for a while it had loads of weeds particularly thistles which I have been battling with and gradually getting on top of by hoeing and hand weeding.  My main problem is reeds, my plot is in the fens and until the 17th century was under water. Last year being in a hurry to get going I just chopped them of a few inches below the surface, intending to dig them out over this winter and just chopped the new growth down as I weeded.

I have gradually dug over the plot as space has been freed up. I have tried digging the reeds out but I get down about 3 feet to the clay and they keep going! I have talked to my neighbours but they don't seem to have the same problem, possibly because my plot is closest to the d**e.

So any thoughts welcome, I don't really want to use chemicals but if this eradicates them then I will do a one off, when would be the best time? they seem to be growing quite vigourously now. As I haven't got to the bottom of them do reeds run along under ground? I could try digging right down as far as they go but would digging into the clay spoil my topsoil?

Should I just live with them? Reed wine anyone?

[Petits Pois]

[Palustris]

If you do go for chemical control and it sounds as if you may have to, remember that the stems on Reeds are shaped to allow water to run down without sticking, as is the waxy covering of the leaves. Before spraying with Round-up you would need to bruise the leaves. Hit 'em with  a stick!

[jennym]

Learn something every time you post ! never thought of whacking them, but it makes absolute sense. Maybe the Roundup might be more effective in a month or so's time when they are growing even more vigorously?

[real food]

Reeds are indicative of poor drainage. Therefore, the first thing to do is to dig ditches and improve the drainage.  Also, exclude light above the reeds and they will die off.

[carloso]

well youll be able to have your own organic toilet effluent treatment plant on site !!!

ok ok i know it wasn't the answer you wanted but i was trying to look at reeds positivly lol

carl