[Jeff M]

Hi There,

I'm about to erect a polytunnel..20ft x 12ft..on ground that's prone to mares tail . Should I work hard to clear the ground on mare's tail first, or.. lay my tunnel on heavy membrane and then build raised beds inside with good clean soil ? Cheers, J

[Plot 1 Problems]

I have/ had a similar problem. I just accepted that I'll never be rid of the dreaded stuff and just hoe it off from the polytunnel beds as soon as it appears. I only ever see the odd bit popping up now.

[snowdrops]

Mares tail can come through tarmac so membrane won’t stop it. My plot was riddled by it & I got very uptight abought it, I already knew the saying never let it see a Sunday. But on researching more I read to let it grow to 7-10cms then trowel & gently pull it up. The theory is it will have expanded lots of energy into growing & by pulling up gently you get more root & over time you weaken it as it can’t photosynthesise without light. This approach has really worked for me & I now just see less every year, more this time of year but less as the year progresses.

[Plot 1 Problems]

Mares tail can come through tarmac so membrane won’t stop it. My plot was riddled by it & I got very uptight abought it, I already knew the saying never let it see a Sunday. But on researching more I read to let it grow to 7-10cms then trowel & gently pull it up. The theory is it will have expanded lots of energy into growing & by pulling up gently you get more root & over time you weaken it as it can’t photosynthesise without light. This approach has really worked for me & I now just see less every year, more this time of year but less as the year progresses.

Much more eloquently put than I

[snowdrops]

😊

[Jeff M]

Thanks All,

Sounds like good advice from all...Looks like I keep decapitating it, and hope it runs out of steam !!

Cheers,

J