Bracken

[Beanz]

Does anyone know of a way (other than using a JCB) of getting rid of bracken?
Our garden is next to a field which has the stuff growing around the edges. I have removed all visible signs of it and dug down as far as can but it still keeps popping up. One day, no bracken. The next, there is a shoot 6 inches long - how did that happen?!
Do any of the available garden weed killers work on it?

[chris]

Pulls out easily enough - I'd just keep pulling.

Could you put a barrier down along your border to the field? You'd need to dig over your extra to expose the roots/rhizomes though, get as much out as possible - trace them back to the field edge.

I'd also cut them down a few times a year - field side (personally - though you'd probably need to get permission to enter the land from the landowner).

I've big problems with knotweed and horsetail - I've realised that I'm just going to live with them really - someone else is tackling the knotweed, but the horsetail I just keep pulling constantly

[Two_Sheds]

Bracken makes good ericaceous compost: stuff it into black sacks, water it and leave for 2 years to rot down. Perfect for potting compost.

[veggiechicken]

I have bracken in my garden, just keep pulling it out or cutting it down. Most of the time, I let it die back naturally and use the dry bracken as a mulch.
Have a read of this http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/orga...2011March3.pdf

[Beanz]

Thanks for the advice! Much as I had expected.
Keep on pulling it out!
(I did read an article about a commercial weedkiller that worked that has now been banned by the EEC)

[Nicos]

I saw a programme last year on the TV about controlling bracken organically in the wild.
Apparently if you cut the tops off , the roots get stronger.
The only organic method they said worked was to roll it ( ie crush the stems ) and leave it to die back naturally.
Apparently this takes about 10yrs to eradicate it !

[Nicos]

Just had a thought- it loves soil with a high acidity- can you put something alkaline on the soil to try and weaken it's regrowth??- ie liming it??

[bearded bloke]

If you want to go the chemical route then look at .. Broadshot / Kaskara

Broadshot / Kaskara - Forestry Weeds - Weed Killers


Or .. Grazon 90 ..

GRAZON* 90

They are most likely to have the desired effect,but do have a read & make up your own mind

[bearded bloke]

The only organic method they said worked was to roll it ( ie crush the stems ) and leave it to die back naturally.

The old fashioned foresters & farmers trick was an old sprung mattress weighted by a five bar gate dragged behind a tractor

[bearded bloke]

A word of warning now,the spores of various ferns are said to be carcinogens,so wear a facemask & overalls if cutting them & shower immediately after finishing work