Horsetails, Equisetum arvense, are so successful and tenacious, they have existed on the planet since dinosaurs roamed the earth. Apparently they were dinosaur food, hence their proliferation today. Killing them is not for the feint of heart. We have to be tenacious, sneaky and vigilant. The key is to smite them when they are at their most vulnerable state; when they first emerge from the ground. It is a common mistake to dig them up, but this just spreads them even more. Even their tiny bits will grow into new plants, making the infestation even worse. Instead, slip your fingers down into the ground as you pull each and every one of them up. Go as deep as you can with your fingers then firmly pull. This removes the above ground growth and a bit of the stem below ground.
Since they are expending energy as they emerge from their winter’s slumber, repeatedly pulling them out, depletes their energy reserves. They also produce spores in early spring. Pulling them when they are producing spores, weakens them and prevents their spores from making more horsetail babies. So be diligent, from spring onwards into the summer. It is a pain, but it does work. Remember, they are not the boss of you – you are the boss.
Since they are expending energy as they emerge from their winter’s slumber, repeatedly pulling them out, depletes their energy reserves. They also produce spores in early spring. Pulling them when they are producing spores, weakens them and prevents their spores from making more horsetail babies. So be diligent, from spring onwards into the summer. It is a pain, but it does work. Remember, they are not the boss of you – you are the boss.
Horsetail free topsoil
As a caveat, don't bring in topsoil unless it is certified as horsetail free. Topsoil is the main cause of garden contamination. Do your homework when looking for topsoil or buy garden mixes which are also available at garden centres. Another alternative is to build your existing soil with compost, well-rotted manure, composted manure and/or SeaSoil. That’s a much better idea.
Horsetail Benefits
You may not want to remove horsetail from your garden once you learn its health benefits – you might want to grow it as a crop!
Horsetail have been used for centuries as a medicinal plant as they contain the mineral silica. Silica is essential for bone health and has been touted to increase bone density. Other health benefits includes the promoting of blood clotting for wounds and ulcers. Used as a diuretic, horsetail aids the body to expel excess salt and fluids. Silica also aids in collagen production for more youthful skin and glossier hair. Other claims to fame are its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities.
There are many recipes on the internet for using horsetail extract powder for all kinds of maladies. There’s also horsetail tea that is supposed to relieve canker sores, menstrual cramps, blood clotting and other maladies. You can either buy horsetail tea or make from your own horsetails. If you wish to dally into the world of horsetail remedies, check with your doctor first, just to be on the safe side.
Oh, and on a side note, horsetails are really good for scrubbing dishes when camping.
Horsetail have been used for centuries as a medicinal plant as they contain the mineral silica. Silica is essential for bone health and has been touted to increase bone density. Other health benefits includes the promoting of blood clotting for wounds and ulcers. Used as a diuretic, horsetail aids the body to expel excess salt and fluids. Silica also aids in collagen production for more youthful skin and glossier hair. Other claims to fame are its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities.
There are many recipes on the internet for using horsetail extract powder for all kinds of maladies. There’s also horsetail tea that is supposed to relieve canker sores, menstrual cramps, blood clotting and other maladies. You can either buy horsetail tea or make from your own horsetails. If you wish to dally into the world of horsetail remedies, check with your doctor first, just to be on the safe side.
Oh, and on a side note, horsetails are really good for scrubbing dishes when camping.