Horsetail invasion - Ask Extension
Hi there! My garden boxes are having a serious horsetail problem. Is there anyway to get rid of it without killing the flowers? It was present last...
Knowledgebase
Horsetail invasion #864808
Asked April 16, 2024, 8:37 PM EDT
Hi there! My garden boxes are having a serious horsetail problem. Is there anyway to get rid of it without killing the flowers? It was present last year, but nowhere near this badly.
Similarly, it is coming up sporadically in my garden boxes where we grow food.
Thank you so much!
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Gardener,
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about horsetail control. This is one of the toughest weeds to eradicate as demonstrated by the fact that it has been around for millions of years. Unfortunately, there are no effective chemical controls available for home use.
The link below is for an article from the Extension Service in Maine. It gives a good description of what not to do as well as the most effective way to control it. The method is to improve drainage, raise the soil pH (if your plants can tolerate that change), and raise the nutritional content of the soil.
Raised beds generally provide good drainage. Using dolomite lime can raise the pH, but your plants may not be able to tolerate the change. Fertilize, but do not use mulch.
While pulling horsetail may make the situation worse, I think you can get by with cutting off the stems about an inch above ground. The effect is primarily aesthetic, but it will also prevent the spread of seeds in early spring.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again if you have more questions.
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/weeds/factsheets/horsetail-swanson.pdf
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about horsetail control. This is one of the toughest weeds to eradicate as demonstrated by the fact that it has been around for millions of years. Unfortunately, there are no effective chemical controls available for home use.
The link below is for an article from the Extension Service in Maine. It gives a good description of what not to do as well as the most effective way to control it. The method is to improve drainage, raise the soil pH (if your plants can tolerate that change), and raise the nutritional content of the soil.
Raised beds generally provide good drainage. Using dolomite lime can raise the pH, but your plants may not be able to tolerate the change. Fertilize, but do not use mulch.
While pulling horsetail may make the situation worse, I think you can get by with cutting off the stems about an inch above ground. The effect is primarily aesthetic, but it will also prevent the spread of seeds in early spring.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again if you have more questions.
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/weeds/factsheets/horsetail-swanson.pdf
