Bracken

**chris** · 10-06-2013, 09:27 AM

Pulls out easily enough - I'd just keep pulling.

Could you put a barrier down along your border to the field? You'd need to dig over your extra to expose the roots/rhizomes though, get as much out as possible - trace them back to the field edge.

I'd also cut them down a few times a year - field side (personally - though you'd probably need to get permission to enter the land from the landowner).

I've big problems with knotweed and horsetail - I've realised that I'm just going to live with them really - someone else is tackling the knotweed, but the horsetail I just keep pulling constantly

**Two_Sheds** · 10-06-2013, 09:37 AM

Bracken makes good ericaceous compost: stuff it into black sacks, water it and leave for 2 years to rot down. Perfect for potting compost.

**veggiechicken** · 10-06-2013, 09:40 AM

I have bracken in my garden, just keep pulling it out or cutting it down. Most of the time, I let it die back naturally and use the dry bracken as a mulch.
Have a read of this http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/orga...2011March3.pdf

**Beanz** · 10-06-2013, 10:05 AM

Thanks for the advice! Much as I had expected.
Keep on pulling it out!
(I did read an article about a commercial weedkiller that worked that has now been banned by the EEC)

**Nicos** · 10-06-2013, 11:20 AM

I saw a programme last year on the TV about controlling bracken organically in the wild.
Apparently if you cut the tops off , the roots get stronger.
The only organic method they said worked was to roll it ( ie crush the stems ) and leave it to die back naturally.
Apparently this takes about 10yrs to eradicate it !

**Nicos** · 10-06-2013, 11:27 AM

Just had a thought- it loves soil with a high acidity- can you put something alkaline on the soil to try and weaken it's regrowth??- ie liming it??

**bearded bloke** · 10-06-2013, 04:51 PM

If you want to go the chemical route then look at .. Broadshot / Kaskara

Broadshot / Kaskara - Forestry Weeds - Weed Killers

Or .. Grazon 90 ..

GRAZON* 90

They are most likely to have the desired effect,but do have a read & make up your own mind

**bearded bloke** · 10-06-2013, 04:54 PM

Originally posted by Nicos View Post

The only organic method they said worked was to roll it ( ie crush the stems ) and leave it to die back naturally.

The old fashioned foresters & farmers trick was an old sprung mattress weighted by a five bar gate dragged behind a tractor

**bearded bloke** · 10-06-2013, 04:57 PM

A word of warning now,the spores of various ferns are said to be carcinogens,so wear a facemask & overalls if cutting them & shower immediately after finishing work

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