This is how you get rid of him permanently

A dreaded, annoying weed

In order for the control of the ground elder to be really successful in the long term, you should first properly treat the ground elder recognize. Is that really groundweed in your garden? This herb prefers to grow in the light shade, on damp surfaces, preferably on the edge of the wood.

The next step is to find out what survival strategies this weed has. One thing is known: Giersch is practically rampant. But how does he do it?

• forms root runners (up to 50 cm deep)
• spread in all directions
• it also forms shoots at a depth of 5 to 10 cm
• Seeds like to sow themselves
• Seeds remain viable for several years

Fine work: remove all root runners

What can I do now? The control method of removing all root runners by hand has proven to be the most effective. Admittedly, that is tedious, but it works! For this it is necessary to remove all underground shoots or Eliminate roots, because this is how the herb multiplies without being asked.

You can tear the plants out of the ground if it is a little damp. But root remains remain deep down. After they have been excavated, for example, they have to be equipped with a Digging fork can be read out. They can grow up to 50 cm deep. It is ideal to use a sieve to help you sort out the root remains.

Every small piece of scrap that remains in the ground can grow into a new groundweed plant! This is how you can recognize the foothills or Root:

• they are white
• they are extremely brittle
• they are at least 8 inches long
• their diameter is 2 to 3 mm

Chop - never wait for flowering!

You can also master the ground elder by chopping it off regularly. This gradually deprives the plant of its strength until it dies at some point. Always do this before the onset of flowering! Otherwise, you may encourage self-sowing Seeds. It is best to start doing this in spring.

Get rid of the groundcover with ground cover

Here is another strategy against the ground elder explained:

• suppress with ground cover
• Suitable ground cover: potatoes, sweet potatoes, Jerusalem artichoke, comfrey, knotweed
• z. B. Plant potatoes in spring (distance 20 cm)
• the dense foliage casts shadows on the ground and takes away the light from the groundweed
• also take nutrients and water
• Side effect: the soil is loosened

Cover the ground elder to destroy it?

Covering the wild herbs has also proven its worth. This may be your tool of choice because it takes the least amount of effort. However, this is a lengthy method. It lasts 2 to 3 years and is not 100% successful.

The point is to smother the ground elder with a fleece, foil or cardboard with bark mulch. The extermination thus takes place gradually. The disadvantage of this method: The seeds can survive because they remain viable for many years.

Weed killer? Only if there is no other way

Chemical-based weed killers should only be a stopgap solution. Using poison in your own garden should be carefully considered beforehand. For example, the long-term effects of herbicides containing the active ingredient glyphosate have not been clarified. In any case, this active ingredient is in a bad light.

Do not use such a spray! Not only for the sake of the environment and your own health, but also because Herbicides - even those with glyphosate - are often ineffective against ground grass. The roots survive.

More options, but less effective

You can also try the following measures in the fight against the ground elder:

• do not pour, but let dry out
• Mix in the earth with sand, if necessary also mix in lime
• Allow sheep or other grazing animals to graze on the ground elder

Learn to love and eat the ground elder

Of course, it can also be completely different. The choice is yours whether you view the groundfish as an enemy or as a friend. This wild plant is not poisonous, it can actually be good for your health!

Giersch can be used eat! It is a tasty, free alternative to parsley, rich in vital substances. You can use it for stews, pestos and spinach, for example. The plant also helps with gout, rheumatism and digestive problems and it does your body a treat with its high content of iron, vitamin C and potassium.