Dealing With Ground Elder

ssGround Elder is one of those really difficult perennial weeds which always seem to establish themselves around the roots of our plants and/or in other difficult positions. Its roots spread out far and wide and are difficult to fully access. If not completely removed, it can re-grow from bits of root left in the ground.

Here it is under paving, wrapped around the roots of a conifer hedge, where it is virtually impossible to dig out. Until recently no weedkillers were capable of destroying it without also destroying the hedge.

Glyphosate has changed all this. This is a systemic weedkiller which can enter through the leaf pores (stomata) and travel in the sap down to the roots, thus making it possible to kill the weed. Unlike previous systemic weedkillers, it is inactivated in the soil, so presents no risk of harming the hedge.

With the warmer weather approaching (we hope!), now is a good time to apply this weedkiller, which works much better when the weeds are growing quickly.

I use an old kitchen spray as a spot weeder to spray, especially the stomata on the underside of the leaves. You can buy glyphosate sprays in the garden centres. Take care only to treat the weed. And do not apply so much that it runs off.

Glyphosate is also available in gel form and comes in a bottle with a brush in the cap. This is useful where access is limited.

Always wear gloves when dealing with weedkillers, and be careful not to touch anything else before washing your hands.

Glyphosate is safe to wildlife and pets, once it has dried.