Dock, Rumex crispus, appears in the garden in large spreading groups, and is characterised by coarse, battered leaves. It spreads via seed produced by tiny brownish-green flowers, which appear in abundance in summer and are loved by seed-eating birds. While gardeners are less fond of this plant, it is useful to soothe the sting of a nettle when rubbled on the skin.
Solution
Organic
Keep digging them out. It isn't an easy job, as you need to get every last bit - any remaining fragments of root will re-sprout. Use a fork to avoid breaking up the root. Regular close mowing will keep most lawn infestations in check, as it prevents them from flowering and setting seed.
Chemical
Use a total weedkiller, such as glyphosate, spraying directly on to the plant. Avoid spraying on a windy day and near other desirable garden plants.
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loveaffair rated this article
02 May 2010
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