Creeping thistle

Symptoms

Creeping thistle is a rampant weed that's spread via wind-blown seeds, as well as roots that can grow 6-12m per year. If left unchecked, it can rapidly dominate areas of your garden.

Find it on

all over the garden

Organic

The best way to deal with thistles is to get a fork under the plant and gently tease out as many of its spreading white roots as possible. Although a new plant will generate from any pieces of root left behind, these will become weaker and easier to remove each time you dig them out.

Chemical

Use a total weedkiller on this weed, as it'll kill the plant without leaving a residue in the soil. Avoid spraying on a windy day and near other desirable plants.