Allotments 4 All

My neighbouring plot has always had a problem with Mares Tail. There  is a whole bed full of it. It has now started encroaching on mine. Comes up through the nicks of flags and a bit in one of my beds. I pull it off as can't get the roots out from between the flags. I put it in a sealed bin with the intention of burning it. Is there anything else I can do?

move plot...



seriously you just need to keep pulling it and never let it see a Sunday..

I use this and it works wonders.  Effects are seen within a week.  1 bottle lasts me about 3 years on a full size allotment.  I did an initial clearing by hand to rid most of it best I could then applied applications as and when required.  If you don't want to use chemicals then you will need to continuously clear by hand.

http://www.progreen.co.uk/Weed-Killers/Total-Weed-Killers/Kibosh-0-5LT/prod_2.html

You can purchase a maximum of 2 bottles per postage cost and I went halves with another plot holder when I first purchased some.

Dig deep and thouroughly and constantly pull it up and you'll eventually get on top of it after a few years.

You could go for a cover crop of rye over winter and only dig it in just before you need it.  That way the mares tail never sees the light of day.  The rye does wonders for your soil as well.  Many say that its hard to get rid of.  Just cover with light exluding material for 2-3 weeks and then turn over.
see here:
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=195954

Here is an under canopy shot of a pumpkin plant in the patch that had the rye
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=205908

and here is the same for a patch that did not have rye
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=205909

Buy some very stong glyphosphate (at least 80%) garden centre stuff is usually <10% sometimes 2%.

Best from an agricultural supplies shop and will cost £25-£30, but will last many years.  It kills ivy stone dead, brambles, blackthorn shoots etc (just nick the bark and paint a few drops on the wound.

It is hazardous stuff, wear gloves, tread on the mares tail to bruise it and paint with a reserved brush.  It's worth the effort and will take 2-3 years to erradicate.

Wear good gloves and put the brush somewhere safe.

Thanks for all your advice.