Welcome to the world of Ground Elder! If you’re here, chances are you’re looking for answers on how to get rid of these pesky weeds forever! You’re in luck! With a little bit of knowledge and a whole lot of elbow grease, you can rid your garden of this plant once and for all!

Ground Elder is a pesky weed that loves sunny, moist conditions. It can be found growing both in gardens and in the wild, and loves to spread its roots deep into the soil. Ground Elder has the ability to come back year after year, so it’s important to get rid of it permanently. 

How to Identify Ground Elder

If you’re trying to identify Ground Elder in your garden, look for a plant that has broad, dark green leaves arranged in a whorl around the stem, as well as small, white flowers with a four-petalled shape. Its roots should be dark brown and stringy, and it will be thriving in sunny, moist conditions.

Now that you know what to look for, getting rid of Ground Elder naturally is the next step.

• Digging or hoeing the ground can help to get rid of the weed at the surface level. 
• You can also use a weed killer, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Applying mulch to the soil can also help, as this will prevent the weed from getting sunlight 
• Use a combination of methods to make sure you get rid of it once and for all!

Why should I control Ground Elder?

Ground Elder can be a very invasive weed, and it can quickly take over your garden. If left unchecked, it can quickly spread and can choke out other more desirable plants. It’s best to be proactive and start controlling ground elder as soon as it appears in your garden.

One way to control ground elder is to pull any plants you see by hand. Make sure to remove the whole root system, as any little bit left in the ground can easily regenerate.

You can also cover the area with a thick layer of mulch or compost to discourage growth. 

If you have a large area, then using a chemical herbicide can be effective, but remember to carefully read the instructions and wear protective clothing, as these chemicals can be dangerous.

How can I kill Ground Elder naturally?

Ground elder is a challenging weed to get rid of because it can easily be spread by seed and broken stems from the roots growing back. However, with a bit of persistence and patience, you can clear it from your garden naturally. 

The first step is to dig up as much of the root as you can, as this will prevent it from growing back. Make sure to wear gloves as the plant can cause skin irritation.

Dig around the plant for at least six inches deep and then pull up the root. If any bits remain in the soil, you may need to use a hand trowel to remove them.

Doing this will get rid of most of the plant, however, some bits may still remain in the soil. 

The next step is to use a natural herbicide to kill the remaining weeds.

The best choice is organic vinegar, as it is effective at killing and preventing ground elder. 

DO not dilute the vinegar unless using horticultural vinegar - spray the area on a dry day. 

You may need to do this several times to make sure that all of the weeds have been killed vinegar won't kill the roots so it is important you dig them all our or use a proper strong weed killer. 

Leave the area for several days afterwards to ensure that the weeds are completely dead. 

Finally, you can use a weed inhibitor to help prevent regrowth. A natural product such as corn gluten meal can be applied to the area and will help to stop ground elder from coming back.

Is it safe to use weed killer to get rid of Ground Elder?

Weed killer can be a great way to get rid of Ground Elder, but it’s not without its risks.

The herbicide Glyphosate in weed killer is designed to target broad-leafed plants, it is highly effective against Ground Elder but may require 2 or more treatments depending on how long the Elder has been established.

Weed killer can damage other plants and the environment if used incorrectly or in large amounts.

If you’re determined to use weed killer, make sure you read the instructions carefully and use it sparingly. To be on the safe side, you could also consider digging up the Ground Elder by hand or using a homemade alternative such as salt or boiling water. 

Overall, it is best to weigh up the pros and cons of using weed killer before deciding to use it on Ground Elder - weed killers certainly make it much easier and less laborious but they do take time to work, cutting down and digging out the roots offers instantaneous results. 

How can I prevent future growth of Ground Elder

One of the best ways to prevent future growth of Ground Elder in your garden is to remove it as soon as you spot it. This can be done either by digging up the root system or by using a weed killer that contains glyphosate, such as Roundup. 

It is important to be thorough when tackling this invasive plant as any small pieces left in the ground can regrow and spread over time.

Another important step in preventing Ground Elder is to regularly check your garden for any new growth. Ground Elder is a fast-growing plant and can quickly spread, so it’s important to catch it early. If you do spot any growth, you can remove it by hand or use a weed killer.

Remove any dead foliage that appears in late summer to reduce the amount of viable seed heads.

Finally, consider using a mulch or ground cover in areas where Ground Elder tends to take hold.

Mulch can help to create a barrier between the soil and the plant, reducing the amount of light and nutrients it can access.

Covering the ground with a layer of stones or bark can also discourage the growth of Ground Elder.