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  • Cough grass

    Hi all, I have a plot with half of it being over run by cough grass. What is the best/strongest weed killer to get rid of it?. Thanks all

  • #2
    If you must use weedkiller, then the Glyphosate based products will do the job. You MUST follow the manufacturers direction exactly and apply on a still day when there is no possibility of any spray drift onto neighbouring plots.

    I have read that sowing turnip seed thickly among couch grass will weaken or kill it, but have not tried this. One correspondant on this forum did report that although he had couch on his plot, the area in which he grew turnips was free of it, so it possibly works successfully.

    Of course the labour intensive way is to carefully dig over the plot with a fork, not a spade, and remove the grass and its invasive roots by hand. - On no account rotorvate the plot.

    a-a

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    • #3
      Frogs like to hide in long grass. Glyphosate is toxic to frogs.

      Originally posted by alex-adam View Post
      the labour intensive way is to carefully dig over the plot with a fork, not a spade, and remove the grass and its invasive roots by hand.
      Less labour intensive is to cover the plot. Darkness will significantly weaken the roots. Dig out a patch only as you need to plant it up.
      http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ard_62967.html

      Originally posted by alex-adam View Post
      On no account rotorvate the plot.
      Amen to that. Rotavating only increases the problem.
      Last edited by Two_Sheds; 24-02-2012, 07:57 AM.
      All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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      • #4
        Yups, round up or similar but best to wait until spring is here as it works best when the grass is in full growth. Don't use glyphosate based based weedkillers around rhubarb. it is a contact weedkiller but somehow rhubarb keels over and dies without contact.

        Wasn't aware glyphosate was toxic to Frogs. Thanks for that info.

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        • #5
          When the soil is at the right consistency, (not so wet it doesn't crumble and not so dry that it either goes to dust or brick) I find digging out couch roots really therapeutic. It's easier if you can slice off the top growing grass.
          the fates lead him who will;him who won't they drag.

          Happiness is not having what you want,but wanting what you have.xx

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          • #6
            Thanks all for advice, I have today dug loads out by hand, will give it a try this way I think and if it gets really bad only then blits the lot with week killer.oh and di, if you find it therapeutic you are more than welcome to come and dig mine out for me

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            • #7
              My plot was covered with couch grass and thistles. I dug the lot out as I went, covered the ground with a strawy manure and it was eradicated in one foul swoop. Quite theraputic from what I remember. I used a good sharp spade, cutt it into squares and shook out the soil.
              My neighbour killed my rhubarb last year with glyphosate. Originally marketed by Monsanto (need I say more) as Roundup. Orrible, orrible stuff, like all pesticides and lethal to equatic life.

              Speaking from experience, and no matter how bad the weed infestation is, please let me implore you to forgo the use of pesticides...............you know it makes sense!

              PS Pesticde is a generic term for weedkiller,insecticide,molluscicide,fungiside etc.

              PPS Just realised its not only me who found it theraputic!
              Last edited by Snadger; 24-02-2012, 06:52 PM.
              My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
              to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

              Diversify & prosper


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              • #8
                Hi snadger, thank you.you too are also welcome to dig it for me been as its therapeutic lol . I didn't find it as bad as I thought it was going to be actually.I also have a big pile of strawy manure so I will cover it as I go.

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by Aberdeenplotter View Post
                  Wasn't aware glyphosate was toxic to Frogs. Thanks for that info.
                  It says so on the bottle, I think.

                  " This product is not registered for application to aquatic sites"

                  "application of product ... glyphosate would kill 90% to 100% of tadpoles of all six amphibian species tested" SS-AGR-104/AG248: Safe Use of Glyphosate-containing Products in Aquatic and Upland Natural Areas

                  "Relyea (2005), ...found that glyphosate resulted in high mortality of some amphibian species. They observed approximately 100% mortality for tadpoles" http://www.umaine.edu/mafes/elec_pub...tins/tb192.pdf

                  Originally posted by Snadger View Post
                  its not only me who found it theraputic!
                  Not just you! I spent a lovely hour y'day in the warm sunshine, on my knees, forking out long strands of couch (still invading me from next door).
                  All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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                  • #10
                    It's actually my favourite weed to dig out
                    the fates lead him who will;him who won't they drag.

                    Happiness is not having what you want,but wanting what you have.xx

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Benylin helps with a nasty case of cough ..........

                      I'll get me coat , taxi's on its way
                      S*d the housework I have a lottie to dig
                      a batch of jam is always an act of creation ..Christine Ferber

                      You can't beat a bit of garden porn

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                      • #12
                        Nowt like 'getting down and dirty'!

                        Just don't try to do it all in one day! Weed a bit, mulch a bit, plant a bit,ad infinitum.

                        It took me about 3 months to clear my plot!
                        My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
                        to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

                        Diversify & prosper


                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by binley100 View Post
                          Benylin helps with a nasty case of cough ..........

                          I'll get me coat , taxi's on its way
                          Its amasing how you managed to write that reply..............especially whilst wearing a straight jacket!
                          My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
                          to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

                          Diversify & prosper


                          Comment


                          • #14
                            love it when you find a bit , pull and a whole long string of it comes out ........sad I know
                            S*d the housework I have a lottie to dig
                            a batch of jam is always an act of creation ..Christine Ferber

                            You can't beat a bit of garden porn

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by binley100 View Post
                              love it when you find a bit , pull and a whole long string of it comes out ........sad I know
                              Not so good when its interwoven with a rotted piece of hessian carpet the previous occupant left on site................
                              My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
                              to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

                              Diversify & prosper


                              Comment

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