{"id":1050,"date":"2026-04-19T17:02:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T16:02:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/possible-ground-elder-2\/"},"modified":"2026-04-27T14:41:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T13:41:19","slug":"possible-ground-elder-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/possible-ground-elder-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Possible ground elder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"867\" src=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2026\/04\/image-6-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1051\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2026\/04\/image-6-scaled.jpg 650w, https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2026\/04\/image-6-scaled-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2026\/04\/image-6-scaled-520x694.jpg 520w, https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2026\/04\/image-6-scaled-320x427.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Deal with Ground Elder in Garden Borders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ground elder is one of the most persistent and frustrating weeds you can encounter in a garden. It spreads quickly through underground roots (rhizomes), weaving its way through flower beds and around established plants, making it extremely difficult to remove completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even when using strong systemic weed killers such as Roundup Weed Killer, control can be slow and often requires multiple applications. For heavily infested areas, a more structured approach is usually needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Remove and Rescue Existing Plants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your border is heavily affected:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Carefully dig up all existing plants and shrubs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shake off and clean as much soil as possible from the roots.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove any visible ground elder roots (white, brittle runners).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place plants into pots or a separate \u201cquarantine\u201d area of the garden.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This allows you to monitor and gradually eliminate any remaining ground elder from the root systems before replanting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Smother the Infested Area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the border is cleared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cover the entire area with landscape sheeting (woven, light-blocking membrane).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure the sheeting is thick enough to block all light.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peg it down securely using ground pins or similar fixings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overlap edges carefully so there are no gaps for light or shoots to get through.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This method works by starving the ground elder of light, gradually killing off the root system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-4\/SsMPXk78FdxFXWik3fNJqzCcJOhbo5dy23Mz1sgKhlYkzhRqcduF4oPheqrqs1J-HdiPjyg-NkfzTHFynNckucMm_mASFtK-TbFWHjv6UoDPnSw0p0XL_2Ci-hP-SDlgwF3RnCp13-_dY3p3J_c0oBfxpT2kpnZf8gzpB-PcLJE?purpose=inline\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-4\/6RkRcS5fZ1HVtI84_vIuS0S7hbGLypU-ZidGo15R73OqhcHaxQTAbR-SAwu2sPkmlwS-VMidiQBMcPWKTP36IcDMqFnMNHSZxFRg8RHl4LRABus_wRlLCAF-CS_qPpXWG07fOQ1AwROReyEjKQIrQqCk84okfv-AGOG0Jcjxr0xjUJGGPRz9dh5Jr8VvO0Xh?purpose=fullsize\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-4\/UvHxojS5usR5I-Yw2PnOuDCRpb69MfQKF51BiCsnu6iQccb-kwJFa-twZfBj3F6OcGQ6DjjuMIaJmf_xW8pHTBjmBK0wfTWsYICj3sioyFujtwqa-6wluRXIWvJtJdHt7IxNXiz2HrY9DV8EzEpVBYiB5pBITis94n8a1p-ClBs?purpose=inline\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-4\/fNuueAuA0WWJbC-V7-O46wGU-cPDxAw4THP6zTuYeqLHiBF1qOE3_XeKSbevgW8pbJL3Bsugxobk0tsCes1haYhXjCv3DG7H98hgFhY2hRinHYf0xxigI-KR-OAvFZwXl1tWWLKty_x6uWvIaBdpd8JSccpzNoPxkO4wbN7GqUsMygUHgEwbD1FgDDppQf8r?purpose=fullsize\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-4\/w3zEZf0SDzqod5X-WE8L3w42WbKSq0kjQEdm7hY5Q9zsBZsRCmRGYFg8VazY87nsEcrXp18d5D7S0PGd0egoFYX7aNZcUVxhpmZQHVLqubnq34gTO7FEflPhnRE4Zn2iVSP1pGb6oHjCuiTupMhzoZd2VljP6R4e8u_M0fsFvtQ?purpose=inline\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-4\/PHPfUVoWnwtxKMKBsJ9VG5QntUUAfZioC6ZS5OU4mw4rjoZk1ZgM5ZpLVu7OGoAqPTIoSqaR4hkUDoF8a3Tu33ByvOdHLRzyEpLbGZwKjc2U1oFE_AoCMRjy-0kxKA_skWwpfSSxrK748ZBSUwRFFGwv1yX59k9TfMMTo_lwNDKNn9M02Q3znXeaM0-eU38z?purpose=fullsize\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">7<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Control Regrowth Around Edges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ground elder will often attempt to escape around the edges of the sheeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Regularly inspect the perimeter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pull out any new growth as soon as it appears.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alternatively, spot-treat with a systemic weed killer such as Roundup Weed Killer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Staying on top of edge growth is key to preventing reinfestation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Leave for 6 Months<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep the area covered for approximately six months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This allows enough time to significantly weaken or kill the root system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After this period:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lift the sheeting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lightly fork over the soil to check for any remaining roots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Assess and Repeat if Needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you still find signs of ground elder:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Re-cover the area with the sheeting for a further period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat the process until the infestation is under control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Working Around Established Plants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some cases, you may want to keep larger plants or shrubs in place:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cut and fit the sheeting carefully around trunks or stems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure there are no gaps where light can reach the soil.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overlap sections where necessary to maintain full coverage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This allows you to control the ground elder without removing established planting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ground elder is difficult to eradicate quickly, but with a combination of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Careful plant removal and quarantine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Light exclusion using landscape sheeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persistent edge control<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Patience over several months<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2026it is possible to bring even heavily infested borders back under control.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Deal with Ground Elder in Garden Borders Ground elder is one of the most persistent and frustrating weeds you can encounter in a garden. It spreads quickly through underground roots (rhizomes), weaving&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":1051,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1050","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gardening-notes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1050","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1050"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1050\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1051"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1050"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1050"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/redgate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}