Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is one of the weeds that quickly spreads across lawns and beds thanks to its deep root system. Once you have discovered the plant in your garden, it is almost impossible to permanently remove the uninvited guest. There are methods to combat field horsetail. However, permanently removing the plant, also known as horsetail, is utopian. Instead, you can use the weeds to strengthen and protect other plants from pests. You can find out exactly how this works and what tips can help prevent field horsetail from spreading as follows.
As already mentioned, the roots of the field horsetail extend deep into the earth. This means that the weeds are able to spread quickly and extensively – much to the chagrin of other plants, which literally compete for space. In addition, the seeds are distributed not only by the wind, but also by the support of other animals. This makes permanent removal almost impossible. If you still want to try to combat field horsetail, you can use these proven methods:
Another important note: Using garden fleece or film to combat field horsetail is not worth the effort – because it has no noticeable effect on the weeds.
As annoying as field horsetail may be, it also has its good sides: Since the weed prefers compacted, loamy, moist soil, it is considered a so-called indicator plant for waterlogging (especially in agricultural farming). In private gardens, however, the plant containing silica can be used as a biological plant protection agent. On the one hand, you can use field horsetail to combat fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Or you can use the broth to protect susceptible crops and ornamental plants from pests such as aphids. You can either purchase the decoction or extract, provided your garden is weed-free, or make it yourself. And it goes like this:
The use of chemical weed killers, also known as herbicides, is the last resort for desperate hobby gardeners. Unfortunately, these do not promise lasting success in combating horsetail – apart from the fact that they harm flora and fauna. There are of course biological preparations, but these only help superficially against the weeds, as the roots are deep in the soil, so the plant recovers quickly from the treatment and continues to sprout again.
Source: My Beautiful Garden
This article contains so-called affiliate links. Further information are available here.