Couch grass
Find out how to remove couch grass from your garden.
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Couch grass is a clump-forming perennial grass that spreads through the soil via underground stems or stolons, and is easily spread by cultivation. It can creep from lawns to infest flower and vegetable beds. Couch grass also produces flowerheads that are followed by seeds, allowing the further spread of this weed.
Symptoms
Couch grass spreads easily to form dense mats of underground stems. It grows among garden plants, competing with them for water and nutrients and reducing crop yields in vegetable beds.
Find it on
Established flowerbeds, freshly dug soil, cracks in paving, lawns, borders edging lawns
Organic methods of control
Dig out all the roots and underground stems of this grass, especially at the edge of infested lawns. Where couch grass is growing in permanently planted borders, it's easier to lift all the plants and tease out the weed from the rootballs. Regular slashing of the grass with a sharp knife will further weaken and loosen the plant.
Chemical methods of control
Use a systemic weedkiller on couch grass in spring. Re-apply throughout the growing season at four- to six-week intervals.
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