what's the best way to remove dock leave plants

cozza123

I have just got my first allotment and was wondering what is the best way to get rid of dock leaves is it to dig them up making sure to get all the roots or just dig them over? I dont want to use chemicals so would like to know the alternatives please.

conradmum

They have a long, deep tap root, like dandelions. If you don't want to use chemicals you'll need to get all of the root out. You'll probably find this isn't possible but if you keep digging the plants out as they regrow you'll kill them eventually.

An lazy alternative, if you have just a few, is to cover them with a paving slab or something similar over the rest of the year. This will kill them too, providing no leaves manage to get out into the sunlight (cut off all the leaves at ground level first).

Linda32

Dig them out, its easier if the ground is wet and soft.

foxgloves

Dig them out. They're not as difficult to get at as dandelions and nowhere near as satanic as the evil bindweed!

lutink

just watched an old alys fowler clip, she says to dig them out, as long as you get the top 15 cm of the tap root you should be ok....
My poor allotmnet is covered in those and couch grass....wish me luck...

GreenFly_2

I must agree with digging them out, I have just finished clearing my allotment plot (first year) and forking them out being careful not to snap the tap root is far the best way. I guess it also depends on the type of soil, my soil is quite free draining so not too difficult but I would guess clay soil would be a nightmare.

Good Luck

cozza123

thankyou everyone much appreciated:j