If you live in the middle of the city or don't have time on weekdays to go into the forest and collect goutweed there, you can grow the healthy plant in your garden. But it is best not to do this without a root barrier!

Giersch grows very profusely, which is why it is also a dreaded weed

Giersch spreads unasked with its foothills

The aerial parts of the ground elder plant are not poisonous. But there is still a reason to keep the goutweed with its growth in check. If this plant is thoughtlessly sown or planted, it can end badly. If it feels well enough, it will soon take over the whole garden.

Giersch proliferates and it owes that to its root runners. In order not to have to fight it again later with great effort, you should only place ground elder in the garden with a root barrier.

How deep should you set the root barrier?

The root barrier must be set deep. Depending on the soil, the long, thin rhizomes grow down to a depth of 80 cm (rarely the case). Therefore place the root barrier at least 50 cm deep! Ideally you should allow about 3cm of the root barrier at the surface.

What is suitable as a root barrier and how do you set it?

The root barrier for the goutweed should consist of an impermeable fabric or material. Root barriers made of plastic or fleece are well suited. Stones or nets are not suitable. The rhizomes can easily penetrate through fine cracks. Alternatively, you can simply plant your goutweed together with a pot in the ground in the garden.

How to set the rhizome lock:

  • dig a trench around the plant or adjacent to the goutweed
  • dig at least 50 cm deep
  • remove possible rhizomes from the goutweed
  • also remove other disturbing components such as stones
  • Use root barrier material
  • cover with earth

tips

Caution: Even if you have installed a root barrier, that does not mean that ground elder will not spread. Cut off the faded flowers to prevent self-seeding!

Category:

Herbs