Removing or Keeping Ground Elder: Advice from the RHS's Head Gardener on Dealing with This Garden Weed
Conquering the Pesky Ground Elder: Natural Solutions to Help Your Garden Thrive* The Threat of Ground Elder* Should You Eradicate Ground Elder?* Ground Elder: A Double-Edged Sword* Let's Talk Biodiversity
Hey, green thumbs! It's that time of year again, when those beautiful blooms in the garden are in full swing, but so are unwanted weeds. One such pest is ground elder, known for its rapid growth and ability to choke out other plants. But is it worth getting rid of every last bit? Let's dive in!
- Ground Elder: A Common Invader
- Also known as bishop's weed, gout weed, or gout wort, this menace spreads swiftly, covering the ground in a heartbeat. It's a garden villain that strikes fear into both novice and experienced hands[1].
- Unlike elder, the plant native to the UK, ground elder is not suitable for creating cordials or preserves, so no need to confuse the two[1].
- To Get Rid or Not?
- Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), suggests that ground elder can be beneficial if confined to areas causing little harm, such as the base of hedges or under shrubs. In fact, embedded within these areas can make it difficult to remove[1].
- Ground Elder: A Friend or Foe?
- If you decide to keep ground elder, it can serve as a lovely ground cover and even provide edible leaves, though it needs to stay in its place to avoid taking over the entire garden[1].
- Embrace Nature, Eliminate Pesky Weeds
- Luckily, there are natural ways to eradicate ground elder without harming biodiversity[1]. Guy Barter shares his advice:
- Dig it up
- Using a garden fork, gently dig around the plant, being mindful not to slice through roots. Patience is key here, as the roots can be a bit stubborn and might snap[1][2].
- Aim to remove as much of the root system as possible. This might require multiple attempts[1].
- The Multilayered Method
- Cover the infested area with several layers of cardboard and a generous helping of well-rotted compost (about 150mm). Plant or sow seeds into the compost[1].
- As the cardboard decomposes, the ground elder will be suffocated while the planted seeds root through the breakdown process[1].
- Sow a Lawn
- In sunny spots, sow a lawn using strong utility grass seed directly on the ground elder-infested area. Apply an organic lawn fertilizer for a healthy, walkable lawn that will eventually beat down and eliminate the ground elder[1].
- Prevention is Key
- Inspect new plants or imported topsoil before introducing them to your garden, as this will help prevent further infestation[1].
Now that you know these effective, eco-friendly ways to conquer ground elder, you can enjoy your garden in peace while supporting a thriving ecosystem! Happy gardening!
- More About Our Expert
- Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the RHS, is dedicated to empowering home gardeners with expert advice and information. For more on the RHS, visit The RHS Website.
- In the pursuit of maintaining a thriving garden and home-and-garden lifestyle, one must consider the effects of common invaders such as ground elder.
- Despite its quick spread and potential harm, ground elder can serve as a beneficial ground cover in certain circumstances, like under shrubs, when kept in check to avoid encroaching on other plants.
