Couch Grass roots in my 'black stuff'

[pipscariad]

I made a very late new years resolution today, whilst I was down at the plot struggling to uncover some of my black membrane, which had almost completely vanished under grass.... I need to tidy up better this year.

Anyhow, I eventually managed to reclaim my 'black stuff', but it now has couch grass roots threaded into it . That'll teach me I know, but now I have the dilemma of how to get rid of them - as if I lay it down as is, the grass will spring up too!

I had this thought, and wondered if you think it might work: put it in the washing machine at a high temp (would 90 degrees melt it??) - would that kill the roots d'you think?

Or any other ideas gratefully received. They say you learn by your mistakes...

[Sabian]

I think the best thing you can do is burn it. You need to fork out as much as you can when preparing your bed for planting. After that, just try and keep on top of it.
Good luck!

[Two_Sheds]

Don't burn it! What a waste

If the membrane has roots threaded through it, leave it out on the washing line for a few sunny days. The roots will dry to a crisp and fall off, or you can pick them out

[pipscariad]

I think the best thing you can do is burn it.

Sorry Sabian, but that isn't something I'd consider for a number of reasons a) the pollution - plastic smoke is terrible b) the waste (as TS says) c) the wasted expense and d) there must be another way.... Plus, I'm from Yorkshire, we try to avoid expense

Hmm, I can try the washing line thing TS - if the sun will oblige, it's not shown itself much the past few days! I'm still tempted by the washing machine idea though, but how hot might it have to be to kill the roots I wonder? There must be something somewhere that tells me that. Queen of Google, are you out there, looking for a challenge??!

[Hans Mum]

only problem i can think of is that you'll be picking it out of your washing machine for ages and dont know what its made of will it shrink?? alternative if youve got a massive pan is maybe to boil it on the top of the stove (my mum used to do this with nappies i seem to remember)

[greengas]

I think the washing line option is the best idea or just roll it up and stick it in the attic ready to use again next year!

[rustylady]

It will make a hell of a mess of your washing machine!!! I would do as Twosheds says and hang it on your washing line for a few days. The couch will shrivel and you can then pick it out.

[FionaH]

Really wouldn't put it in the washing machine, could end up messy and expensive