Horsetail, a plant that both intrigues and frustrates, sometimes makes its way into gardens unannounced. Its prehistoric appearance and impressive resilience can be striking, but when it takes over a corner of your vegetable patch or flower bed, patience can quickly wear thin.
So, why does it settle in these spots, and most importantly, how can we regain control? Let’s take a closer look.
A Plant That Indicates Soil Quality… And Is Tenacious
Horsetail doesn’t just appear randomly. It is classified as a bio-indicator plant, meaning it reveals the condition of the soil. If it’s growing in your garden, it’s likely because the soil is too compact, waterlogged, and somewhat acidic. This type of environment is perfect for its growth.
Horsetail belongs to a very ancient family, the Equisetaceae, and it has more than one trick up its sleeve. Besides multiplying quickly through its underground rhizomes, it can withstand even the most aggressive herbicides without flinching. It’s not a plant you can get rid of with just a couple of hoe strikes.
Adding to its toughness is its ability to accumulate silicon in its tissues. This makes it rigid and almost rough to the touch, which is actually reflected in its Latin name, “Equisetum,” meaning “horse tail.”
1. Disturb Its Comfort to Encourage Departure
If horsetail has settled in, it’s because the environment suits it perfectly. To deter it, you’ll need to disrupt its habits.
The most effective method involves working the soil deeply, but not just any way. The garden fork is your best ally here, as it helps break apart clumps without overly disturbing the soil. Forget the grelinette; it may not survive this process.
Some even go further by using a tiller to thoroughly break up the soil. And while you’re at it, it’s a good idea to add some river sand to lighten the mixture and make the ground less welcoming for our intruder.
2. Cut Down the Tough, Green Stems
Another way to slow horsetail’s progression is to deprive it of its sterile stems. These are the most visible, roughest, and most annoying parts. Regularly mow or hand-pull them as soon as they appear.
In cultivated areas like vegetable patches or flower beds, regular hoeing helps weaken the plant. The more it has to draw from its reserves to recover, the weaker it becomes over time.
3. Work the Soil and Modify Its Balance
Adding organic matter is another excellent strategy. Compost, manure, and dead leaves can gradually improve soil texture, making it softer and enhancing drainage.
And since horsetail thrives in acidic soils, why not complicate its life a bit more? By adding some lime, the soil pH will rise slightly, making it clumpier and less compact. This is especially useful if your soil is very clay-heavy.
4. Rethink Water Management in the Garden
Stagnant water is a blessing for horsetail. If an area of your garden is particularly wet, redirect the water.
One idea is to dig a small pond in the lowest part of your yard. This will allow excess water to flow there, giving the rest of the soil a chance to breathe better.
5. When the Fight Becomes Physical
If gentle methods fail, the more radical solution is a rhizome barrier. Just like with bamboo, this technique involves surrounding the colonized area with a deeply buried plastic barrier. It’s effective, but it’s labor-intensive and not inexpensive.
Another option is to deprive it of light. A solidly anchored black tarp left in place for several weeks will literally smother the plant. You can also bury it under a mound while setting up a corner for a vegetable patch. It will likely try to resurface, but it will be significantly weakened.
But What if We Use It Instead?
In the process of battling horsetail, one might forget that it can be beneficial. It has some interesting properties, especially for those who enjoy natural gardening.
- In decoction or as a manure, it combats downy mildew, rust, or powdery mildew. A valuable ally for sensitive plants.
- Placed around young seedlings, it becomes a formidable slug barrier, as these pests dislike its rough texture.
- When added to compost, it enriches the material with silicon, a mineral that strengthens plants’ resistance to diseases and drought.
Have you ever dealt with horsetail in your garden? What techniques worked for you to contain it, or perhaps even take advantage of it? Share your tips, successes… and struggles! Every experience can help another gardener better understand and manage this tenacious plant.
