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
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.
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.
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.
we banged in lengths of timber(from reclaim yard so cheap) Looks ok and hopefullly will hold it back
That's why I'm moving to raised beds! That way I can strim it without damaging my crops.
Another vote for the trench from me, plus it helps with drainage - so a bonus for me!
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
Quote from: Psi on April 29, 2009, 11:13:50
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.
Would this trench digging also ease marestail on the edges...... ??? ???