I live in a tropical country and even now ( March ) it still feels like monsoon season, wet and rainy. And you are right about it being very invasive. One is known as scouring rush, and has no leaves but instead has hollow and jointed stems. The first year in the ground it really gained a healthy appearance but not so much size. At least horseherb is native. Dispose of them in a plastic bag immediately once youre done. I know they have it growing all over in the shade at the Heard Museum native plant garden. You will probably want a small terrace area out by the water, to relax in the sun, entertain visitors and friends, feed the birds, relax with the dogs. To curb its uncanny ability to spread everywhere, you can plant it in a large container housed in a concrete patio. Hi AllMany of you have heard about my impossible back yard. Dig a large hole around the horseradish plant, making it deep enough to reach underneath the bottom-most tip of the root, and large enough to leave plenty of room around the sides of the plant. While its not impossible, its certainly difficult to get rid of horsetail plants (Equisetum hyemale and Equisetum arvense) in your garden. I think 2,4-D would be safer. I let it invade an increasingly shady area under a rapidly growing oak. I love my lawn and wouldn't get rid of it for anything. 2) I want to keep the kitchen as open as possible and modern looking. The most effective way of controlling horseradish is to dig up the plant every year, and try to remove as much of the root as possible. Hows it looking now, Carol? But two years ago the deer came and had a feast, nibbling it clear to the ground. PJ, PJ, I have a bunch for you, some I got at the swap and I found a few areas that have it here. 5. So what are horsetail weeds? I have never heard of it or seen it, might not be growing here in TN, but getting rid of lawns and their water needs seems to make sense. To do so, amend the soil with manure or compost to improve its fertility, texture, and drainage. I have 2 large of Horsetail Reed that are doing well in Pots. Leave a comment below! While my neighbors are trying to get rid of it. the complete yard with red lava rock, about 15 Horsetails have grown up on the sides and some LOL. I love it, too, and hope to encourage a friend in San Antonio to stop pulling it out! Part of my Patio before spraying with WD40, and then ten days later after brushing away the debris. Now that I know what it is, and thanks to the we spring, it is lush and everywhere. I've recommended this plant to lots of people. Growing Horseradish: How To Grow Horseradish, Tips On Using A Garden Fork Learn When To Use A Garden Fork, Digging Fork Functions: What Is A Digging Fork Used For In Gardens, How To Control Weeds In Groundcover Areas Of The Garden, How To Join International Sunflower Guerrilla Gardening Day, How To Make Raisins From Homegrown Grapes, Reasons For An Apricot Tree Not Producing, How To Get Rid Of Cutworms Dealing With Cutworm Damage, Information On Care Of A Variegated Ivy Plant, Common Peach Diseases: Peach Tree Care For Sick Trees, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Horseherb is our primary groundcover in our xeriscaped front yard garden and also in back surrounding the veggie raised beds. Heres a weed story: in Austin its called dollarweed and people want it gone. If you use a clay or ceramic container, however, the roots are likely to break through and spread, regardless. Mine is only an inch or two. After a particularly rough drive that had us arriving at 4 am, I checked my email before bed. That was a very interesting post. At one point in time, this plant was not considered obnoxious and was actually used extensively. I also water it once a month in the summer to keep it green. I also water it once a month in the summer to keep it green. I love horseherb! Thank you for being a servant to help others. I have two big footed dogs that can trample through a garden without any hesitation. Horseherb is considered semi-evergreen, blooming most of the year except in cold winter areas, and if you like you can mow it, or you can let it grow to its typical max height, which is about 8 inches. Your email address will not be published. My horseherb was here in small patches on the side of the house when I got here. Horsetail can be found in ditches, around ponds, along roadsides, in fields, and sometimes even in the garden. How many times did you visit your current home before you chose it? never heard of this plant though. Id love seeing those yellow flowers. 3. I was doing it on a trial basis. So the only way to get it to spread is to dig/pull all the other weeds out by hand? It creates a beautiful lush green lawn and is very soft to walk on barefoot. Its now the end of its second season. Our back yard has about 50 Horsetail plants for maybe 6 years now. Hopefully your dog is just fine and hasnt chewed up your house and yard completely! I noticed this stuff growing on campus at Texas Womans University. Hi Meredith, I am with you on this one hundred percent. It made me smile when I read it. Hmm, maybe your picture of the horseherb field at Hornsby Bend will change my mind. In a wildflower field, I have to imagine that it would be another competitor, but its going to depend on the goals you have for your yard or area. Wow! You might even spot it growing in some yards and offer to dig it out for the homeowner :-). 2. Its in a location we dont see regularly. Je peux rejeter les cookies non essentiels en cliquant sur Grer mes prfrences . Bit by bit Im actually removing mine from the front yard because I finally settled on the look I wanted Im using Cedar Sedge to create a rolling turf. I have an issue with weeds in my garden also. ADDENDUM TO A YEAR AGO: I plan to lay sod down on my slope to combat this horrible plant. Ive never seen this plant before I think Id love it and leave it. Humble yet strong. Im pretty relaxed about it right now Im just happy to be almost rid of the St. Augustine. Horselover in Ohio. I can't imagine anyone paying for plants of Horse Herb. Would it be safe to plant the horsetail in concrete planter boxes, facing south ? My horseherb is hanging in there despite the drought, but it will look much better if we ever get any rain. Could get it there and many other hard-to-find natives. The Don'ts: 6 Things to Avoid When Getting Rid of Horsetail Weeds. I agree with you that it is very pretty. Another often-touted method that has some effect on the above-ground plant, at least for a short time. Anyway to keep that from happening? . These weeds just go through asphalt. Our dogs havent had any reaction, and I walk barefoot through mine a lot. I struggle to keep it out of my flower beds even on the opposite side of the house even my neighbors on the other side are having problems with it as are the people down our alley. What do you recommend to reclaim it for garden use again. I have sometimes attempted to mow down these weeds from the cracks and joints in the patio in desperation. But don't be fooled; the moment you relax and sit on your laurels, the horsetail plant will reappear from its deeply rooted underground hide. For a while, it was key to us controlling the St. Augustine in the front, but now were planning our pathways and Ive got a wonderful Cedar sedge spread going, along with the perennial and annual beds. Drastic measures are needed to eradicate it if it takes over your garden or field. Im worried that it may be too invasive and would harm the trees, but cant figure out anything else thats shade tolerant. Getting rid of horsetail weed can be a nightmare once its become established in the landscape. Whether or not you sink the container into the ground is up to you, but planting it first in a barrel, bucket or some other kind of sturdy pot can help confine the roots so they dont spread to areas where theyre not wanted. Any run off will kill fish for miles. They cover is so thick I think it will prevent them from sprouting. . We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. I'm fortunate, accross the street they have beautiful thick green lawn I can look at. It's one tough plant! Horseherb is also native to the southern U.S. on into Central America, and it makes a great alternative to the exotic and water-hogging Bermuda and St. Augustine grasses. Shes managed to get a few mouthfuls and hasnt exhibited any ill effects, but Im worried that she may get more before I notice. Its T shaped, thanks. As you do so you can improve the soil to make it drier, richer, and more alkaline. I had no clue as to this plant's intention and how it would bring out a determination to rid myself of this predator once and for all. Its growing up and out. Thanks for posting!! There are over 25 species of horsetail plant. A Texas Master Naturalist, Habitat Steward, and Travis Audubon committee member, she enjoys teaching people of all ages about native flora, fauna, and healthy environments. Repeat this procedure once in every seven hours. There doesnt seem to be much of a gray area on this one. It can be hard to break away from the mindset of pristine lawn. Perhaps if you had a controlled patch and kept everything else looking nice, it might appeal to others. Hi, Marlene. Deter Them With Scents. Congrats! When it comes to fertilizer it is often unnecessary. go native! HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. This includes annual and perennial types. sandy. I imagine St. Augustine grows well in Houston here in Austin, it requires regular and costly watering in order to grow well, and that makes horseherb a reasonable alternative for many. Do you think horse herb would do well in flowerbeds under my live oaks? The real test will be if this invasive weed re-appears. Id like to see yours in a couple of years. I think it will be the perfect fit for me. . Whatwould you choose: spotty grass or spreading horseherb? Do this at . Came in to say thank you for the congrats. The thickest Horsetail area sheeting got blown over during some rain then sun I love the color of the foliage,the way it always looks good and the cheerful yellow flowers. It was until recently, very green and I like the cute yellow flowers. Its all over my yard, and Im wondering if people can eat it? I mow mine just to give it a more manicured look. - City-Data Forum, 10 Unexpected Benefits of Having a Snake Loose in Your Car. They produce with spores like mushrooms. Coconut oil. If this plant can take some foot traffic, why not have it as an alternative to the water thirsty grass lawns? Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Not recommended. Ive read that purslane is edible, but I havent tried it yet. The wildlife aspect sounds perfect and being a native another plus. It has completely filled in a lightly shaded area (8 x 15 ft) between my house and an adjacent brick pathway. (I want the horsetail to spread). Horses can develop scabby lesions from repeated biting during outbreak times. I moved to tx & dont want any thing to now). 2. They do seem to be a delicate plant until they are established. It got real hot out for a couple weeks and they started looking weak before I could even plant them. What a nice surprise, plus I love the little yellow flowers that appeared after a brief rain shower. Hi, Alice. You can then bury the pot in the ground. Die die die you bastard! But ask around if it grows locally, you might be able to find someone willing to give you a few from their yard. It makes a wonderful desk top or screen saver! Its an eco-friendly solution to having a lawn without having to resort to heavy chemicals or fertilizers or ridiculous amounts of water to sustain it. I understand your concern about snakes horseherb definitely grows tall enough to give them cover, but Ive found that snakes will be anywhere they choose to be, and its always a surprise. They are out there for free.". Relentlessly. A poem my Grandmother embroidered on a picture . With a large garden fork, lift the root from the ground, keeping in mind that any small shoots left in the soil will develop a new root. Although horsetail is commonly found in ditches, along roads, by ponds, or even in fields, it can also find its way to your garden area. You just missed the fall sale but the spring sale is in April. I heard about horse herb a few months ago. Sign up for our newsletter. Wow that field horseherb is stunning! Horsetail weed in gardens can be a major problem because this plant has a tremendous root system with rhizomes. I paid to have a below ground concrete barrier installed. Im looking for a ground cover my my yrd in FL. All you need is to cut your fresh rosemary sprigs into 2-3 inch long pieces and once again put them wherever roaches are likely to go. east haven high school football coach,