NEEPS

big brahma · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 10:48 am Post subject: chick weed in polytunnel

Anyone have any hints on how to get rid of chickweed in a polytunnel? Every time I dig, weed, then plant, I have to stand and watch this creeping stuff slowly suffocate my plants. The more I remove, the more it seems to grow! It's everywhere!

Diana · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 11:10 am Post subject:

Treat it as a crop and harvest it for salads? Maybe not the reply you were after - sorry.

I know your frustration as I have the same problem. Sounds like the land is infested with seed that is germinating once you give it lovely growing conditions. I'm afraid you're never going to be able to stop it from growing (aside from a heavy or impenetrable mulch), but if you keep removing it before it seeds you should see a reduction over time.

If the area is too large to mulch, you could try covering the area you're about to plant with cardboard or a few layers of newspaper, then plant through this and cover it with a light mulch (a thin layer of fresh grass cuttings is good). This will rot pretty quickly, but should allow your new plant to get well established before the chickweed can make an appearance.
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JamesB · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 11:19 am Post subject:

yeah I have the same problem but love it really (chickweed is so much easier than some weeds I get). The best solution is to eat it and if too much to eat then compost (i dry it on the black weedmembrane path first to kill, the path gets pretty hot being black).

James
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Sassinak · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 11:48 am Post subject:

Can you shut the chickens in there for a few weeks? They love it and would soon clear it out. And fertilise as well lol
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Julie · Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 2:14 pm Post subject:

One years seeding - seven years weeding is the adage, I believe. Keep removing it and never let it run to seed and several years down the line you will see it struggling....may even get rid of it

You are paying for someone elses neglect until then.
Being of the 'glass half full' persuasion myself, I would say the same as Diana. Make some use of it even if it is only as compost matter. It's amazing how a shift in perception helps.
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big brahma · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 9:20 am Post subject:

Thanks for the replies. I've had a real problem getting onto Neeps site this past week. My usual link kept telling me there was server maintenance going on!
I have tried a section under a dark blanket but the minute I removed it, there was a growth of chickweed that outstripped the rest.
I think once the winter veggies are finished I will let the ducks and the chickens have a good feed in there for a few weeks.
Cheers

Julie · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:40 pm Post subject:

It will at least do some good for them as a source of fresh greens. With a bit of luck they'll scratch out the roots and seeds too. Hope it does some good.
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Maria · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 8:24 pm Post subject: