Ground elder

Bunny ...

I have a rough stone dense section which is barked but have a lot of ground elder in there, as the area is so rough (partial building debris , heavy clay, trees) it is difficult to dig . I don't tend to use weed killers as have a dog but if one was suitable I'd try it.

sotongeoff

Have you tried Round-up?

Bunny ...

I have not used any weed killers due to their toxic nature and the fact my dog is around the garden . I think I shall have to just pull out what I can and put up with the rest .

sotongeoff

That is your choice of course but I would not consider it toxic-the only other solution is to burn it off with a flame -gun wont get rid if it permanently though

Bunny ...

I shall have a look into it , thanks .

Lyn

When I first moved into my present address and big garden, the ground elder was everywhere, I dug it out by hand, its really the only effective way, but you cant leave the slightest bit in there. It is very shallow rooted, so hope fully you can just pick at it, it will take a long time, but I got on top of it in one season. I just see the odd bit that got snapped off, but can easily grab it out now.

Bunny ...

Thanks lyn at least it'll be good exercise getting it all out !

Lyn

I find it quite therapeutic, find something comfie to kneel on, take a coffee and make a start. its addictive!

Bunny ...

Yes I see what you mean , put like that with a cuppa it does sound therapeutic ...the dog can always 'watch and give me advice '

BobTheGardener

I had a lot of this in my clay soil but glyphosate based weedkiller (Roundup) got rid of it eventually.  Roundup is non-toxic to animals, once it has dried onto the leaves, so do it on a sunny day and keep the dog inside until it has dried.  You want to spray it when it is in full growth and about to flower for best results.  Leave it to die down completely before removing it and the glyphosate should travel to where it's really needed, the roots.  Small patches of it may re-appear, so will need another treatment but as long as you don't let it seed, you will eventually be rid of the stuff.

Dovefromabove

I agree with BobTheGardener - Roundup will not affect your dog  once it has dried onto the leaves.  As he says, spray it when it is in full grrowth - it sometimes helps takeup if you bruise a few of the leaves on each plant.  Leave it to die down completely before pulling it up - that means that the glyphosate has travelled down to the roots.  This may take some weeks - be patient. 

Your dog will be fine as long as he keeps off it until it has dried.