Couch grass

Symptoms

Couch grass spreads easily to form dense mats of underground stems. It grows among garden plants, competing with them for water and nutrients and reducing crop yields in vegetable beds.

Find it on

Established flowerbeds, freshly dug soil, cracks in paving, lawns, borders edging lawns

Organic methods of control

Dig out all the roots and underground stems of this grass, especially at the edge of infested lawns. Where couch grass is growing in permanently planted borders, it's easier to lift all the plants and tease out the weed from the rootballs. Regular slashing of the grass with a sharp knife will further weaken and loosen the plant.

Chemical methods of control

Use a systemic weedkiller on couch grass in spring. Re-apply throughout the growing season at four- to six-week intervals.