Getting rid of Horseradish...

[sewer rat]

The reason I have an issue with weedkillers on horseradish, is - if it doesn't work, and for any reason the garden or lottie is given up - then weedkillers have been used on something that the next person might dig up and eat.

I agree with your sentiment but in this case it doesn't apply - the offending roots are in a flower border that is due to be replanted this year - not sure why they are there in the first place though.

[TonyF]

It's a shame I'm not in the Uk because I'd have as much of it as you wanted to send my way, I have a great recipe for a horseradish and mustard sauce and my chums can't get enough of it!

[zazen999]

It's a shame I'm not in the Uk because I'd have as much of it as you wanted to send my way, I have a great recipe for a horseradish and mustard sauce and my chums can't get enough of it!

You will probably be badgered to post that recipe on the Facebook recipe page, now you have mentioned it

[wellie]

Quite interesting actually, the heavy-duty black plastic has been in place for a month+ and I pulled it back today in order to take a photo for my blog (not Sun 6th March one as Bermuda Triangle happened to it, don't ask!) and the Horseradish is, indeedy coming through thick and strong. I have replaced the plastic again.
Forcing Chicory and Rhubarb has become very profitable. Do you think I've unwittingly cornered the market on Forced Horse?!

But I got to wondering whether, because it's been weakened by lack of light/air etc. would it be more vulnerable and susceptible now to be zapped on the head with a really strong dose directed to the crown of each root?

Just remembered a book I've got: Mary Spiller WEEDS, Search and Destroy....
lists Horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, and it says:
Horseradish sauce made from freshly dug roots is delicious, but the plant itself is not very attractive. The long, dark green leaves are coarse and leathery and spring up repeatedly, however often they are cut down or the roots dug up. It is a plant that marks the site of a garden long after all else has vanished. (ooh! isn't she a cheery little soul!)

She continues: To control it by digging out is a constant battle. A combination of repeatedly treating the leaves with a translocated lawn weedkiller and putting them off (I think she's typo'd herself and means 'pulling' them off?) a week later will be more effective.

I've GOT some Verdone, so Let's Rock'n'Roll Kids!!

I was going to suggest perhaps you'd care to come and stay at the Funny Farm TonyF whilst we sign a mutually agreeable contract, but for now I'm afraid, getting rid of this Horseradish is much more on my urgent lists...!

[fruitylou]

Lou, as Wellie said, that won't kill off the bamboo. There are two types of roots on bamboo, one is just ordinary runner based, easier to get rid of. The other type forms a dense mat and tho it's not that deep, the roots go hard like the stems even underground.

Locals here (where we see huge stands of bamboo, some 20 ft high and with stems almost as thick as a wrist) say that the way to kill it off is to spray the cut ends with neat vinegar. I've never tried that method but the stand I inherited from the previous owner is about 12 feet in diameter, solid down to a depth of at least a foot and that's been cut down every year for 6 years with no ill-effect to the plant at all.

So, I'm hiring a mini-digger to get rid of it!!

But cutting it down does nothing except, as Wellie said, make the roots get even stronger.

Oh no! Ok I will just go back to cutting it every two years and drying it out for canes, good luck getting rid of yours

[wellie]

fruitylou, good luck with your bamboo. I'm sorry to have burst that bubble, but I feel it's better to be armed with the right knowledge if you're a gardener so that you can enjoy the garden YOU want rather than the one that Mother Nature insists on having sometimes!

I uncovered the Horseradish again today to assess what has to be zapped with the Verdone Extra tomorrow. I hate having to do stuff like this, but where it's necessary, I'm in favour. So.... I'll keep you informed what happens over the following months, and let's hope for 'a result'.

[planetologist]

wellie, sorry, but as far as I'm concerned that's exactly why we're destroying the biosphere. It's time to start enjoying the garden that mother nature insists on having sometimes. She gets it right most of the time, and the rest of the time humans get it wrong.

[zazen999]

Is Verdone biodynamic then?

I'm confused.....

[justgimmeethefaxmaam]

Erm....starting horseradish!

Hope this question will be acceptable on this thread
We love horseradish & I have bought a root from Wilkinsons.
After reading this thread I doubt if I'd ever plant it in the ground
It has quite a few roots and 3 shoots with green tips.
Can I grow it in a container?

[zazen999]

It would have to be a very big one!

[Kristen]

Can I grow it in a container?

I grow mine in a large pot. Stand it on a slab though - otherwise it will root through the bottom

[justgimmeethefaxmaam]

Thank you Kristen
I will take your advice

[LauraLP]

Just wondering if this worked wellie. I'm in the same predicament. Not sure if I should try to dig the horseradish out before using a week killer on it... For fear of it sprouting everywhere instead. Or wherever the root is too strong if I don't get it out so the weed killer won't work? Any advice welcome!

[Bren In Pots]

Hello and welcome to the vine LauraLP

This is an old thread, most of the contributors haven't visited the vine for a while, but hopefully someone will come along to answer your queries.

[Snoop Puss]

Hello and welcome, LauraLP.

I'm afraid Wellie hasn't visited the Vine since 2014, so is unlikely to reply. I'm sure someone else will be along with horseradish experience, though.

Out of interest, what do the instructions on your weedkiller say? It may be that digging the horseradish out isn't the best approach, as the weedkiller may need to be absorbed through the leaves and from there down into the root. So in that case, you shouldn't dig up the plant first.