Alkanet

bouicca21

I have a long running war of attrition with alkanet. I just can’t get rid of the stuff. To make matters worse it has now taken over a patch of wasteland bordering the garden.

I also have several litres of liquid feed from my wormery. It’s nitrogen rich to the extent that it needs to be diluted, 10 parts water to one part worm liquid.

If I used it undiluted on ordinary plants it would kill them. Does anyone know if it would also kill the dratted alkanet?

Farway

If I used it undiluted on ordinary plants it would kill them. Does anyone know if it would also kill the dratted alkanet

It may knock down the foliage, but the plant has a long tap root, like a dandelion, so the only sure way [cover your eyes if nervous] is to use a systemic weedkiller, like Roundup

bouicca21

Yes, it’s that tap root I can’t get out, leave the tiniest bit and the wretched stuff grows again.

[whispers] I do have some roundup …

twopenny

Depends on if it's invading your flower borders or veg plot in which case drastic action is called for.

There's a balanced bit on the RHS site with different ideas but to eliminate it this is the long winded way

https://www.rhs.org.uk/weeds/green-alkanet

"  or wood chips. Alternatively, use a heavy grade biodegradable mulch matting. This will block light and prevent growth, causing the root system to die. Keep soil covered for a few years to ensure this method is effective.

It is good for wildlife if you can keep it in its place and strim after flowering

bouicca21

I am sort of winning over the alkanet in the flower bed, in that there is definitely less than there was. But the waste area is now completely colonised by the stuff and I’m worried the seeds will spread it further.

I know the bees really like it but I’m sure I can find them something else!

twopenny

I looked it up again and found this. Slightly more informative

https://goodgrow.uk/how-to-kill-green-alkanet/

You have my sympathy as I've been invaded by wild garlic which has been allowed to keep growing all over the place it didn't used to be. If I could have a small clump fine but it pops up in my veg patch and will spread like wildfire. I keep pulling it up to stop it seeding but it's going to be an annual job 🙄

Slinky

We are plagued with alkanet. I don't mind a bit of it because the bees love it in the odd corner, but it was everywhere in our garden when we moved in 7 years ago. I've dug out a lot, and make sure I keep on top of the inevitable seedlings that keep appearing. The wet weather we had in the early part of the year saturated our garden, and I managed to dig out some of it that had tap roots literally as thick as my forearm. It's an ongoing battle, but I do have more plants I want and less of the alkanet

bouicca21

oh that’s a horror. Compared to that I shouldn’t be complaining.

KajiKita

Wow @Slinky that’s next level!! 😳💪👏

KK

Slinky

The previous people were here about 40 years, I think that alkanet could have been here as long!