The goutweed is not poisonous for us humans. However, it is not exactly popular - on the contrary, it is considered by most gardeners to be a nuisance weed that needs to be controlled. With ground covers it can succeed…

The potato is an edible groundcover that efficiently repels goutweed

Ground covers take away light, nutrients and water from the goutweed

The fight against goutweed can often last for several years. If all methods have not brought the desired success so far, it could work with ground covers.

The ground covers overgrow the goutweed. They rob him of his basis for life, the light. Without light, the goutweed quickly looks old and loses out. Furthermore, many ground covers ensure that the goutweed is deprived of nutrients and water. It is important to select competitive plants that can easily resist ground elder.

Which ground covers are suitable for planting?

Potatoes are the best-known ground covers that repel weeds and are also food. They also help fight ground elder. You must plant them where the goutweed grows. Preferably before the goutweed sprout. In addition to potatoes, these ground covers are suitable:

  • Jerusalem Artichoke
  • sweet potato
  • golden strawberry
  • elf flower
  • Comfrey
  • Carpet knotweed
  • fat man
  • Small periwinkle

Use ground cover depending on the location

Depending on where you want to fight goutweed, you should use a particular type of ground cover. Ground-covering crops such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and Jerusalem artichokes work best for beds. For other areas such as lawn sections, woodland edges, etc., groundcover with more ornamental aspects are better suited.

The most important properties at a glance

Make your choice based on the features that matter most to you:

  • Golden strawberry: 10 cm high, long-lived, strong-willed, carpet-like
  • Elfenblume: fast-growing, robust, bushy habit
  • Comfrey: dense foliage, 30 cm high, also thrives in the shade
  • Carpet Knotweed: 25 cm high, bushy growth, evergreen
  • Fat man: slow-growing, carpet-like habit
  • Small periwinkle: dense growth, beautiful blue flowers

tips

Do not forget to take care of the ground cover (cut, water, fertilize, if necessary protect in winter)! This is important so that their growth remains dense and they can prove themselves in the fight against ground elder over the long term.

Category:

Herbs