Warning issued against cultivating these 5 invasive plants in your garden, along with suggestions for maintaining them in your backyard if desired
In the world of gardening, some herbs are known for their aggressive spreading habits and can quickly take over garden spaces if not properly managed. These include mint, herb fennel, horseradish, lemon balm, and three-cornered leek.
To control and manage these invasive herbs, gardeners can employ several strategies.
Firstly, growing these herbs in containers is a simple and effective way to prevent them from spreading. Make sure the containers have drainage holes, and keep an eye on the roots to prevent them from escaping and colonizing the surrounding soil.
For herbs grown in the ground, creating physical barriers by surrounding the planting area with metal or plastic edging at least 12 inches deep can prevent roots from spreading underground. Alternatively, bury large pots upright in the soil with the top edge exposed to contain root growth.
Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) can also prevent these herbs from self-seeding and spreading uncontrollably. However, be mindful that deadheading can also reduce food for pollinators, so balance accordingly.
Regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial. Keep invasive herbs monitored so new seedlings or runners can be removed promptly before they establish. This includes pulling up volunteer plants in unwanted areas to prevent garden takeover.
Some invasive plants, such as English ivy and wisteria (although not herbs), are also notoriously difficult to control due to their rapid growth and seed dispersal by birds. They should be avoided or managed carefully.
By employing these strategies, gardeners can enjoy invasive herbs while minimizing their potential to dominate a garden space. Container planting combined with barriers and regular maintenance is the most reliable approach to keeping invasive herbs under control.
For those who love herbs, growing them in pots is always worth considering, especially if you are unsure where to place them. This applies to herbs like horseradish, recommended for making Bloody Marys, but should be grown in a large container to control its growth.
Lemon balm, a delightful plant with dainty flowers that attract bees and butterflies, can be grown indoors all year round in pots with drainage. Mint, which prefers partial sun to full sun and moist soil, can also be grown in containers to control its growth.
Chives, a hero of any herb garden, can be easily grown from seeds sown directly into the ground. Substituting three-cornered leek with simple chives is recommended, as chives are easier to control and have beautiful flowers.
Herb food like this herb fertilizer available at Amazon can be used to top up nutrients and give herbs a boost if they look lacklustre.
Drew Swainston, a Gardening Expert and Content Editor for Homes & Gardens, suggests these strategies for managing invasive herbs. Drew has worked as a professional gardener and at Hidcote Manor Garden and Hanbury Hall Gardens.
References: [1] Royal Horticultural Society. (2021). Invasive plants. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=467 [2] Gardening Know How. (2021). How to control invasive herbs. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/how-to-control-invasive-herbs.htm [3] National Geographic. (2021). Invasive species. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/encyclopedia/invasive-species/
- To curb the spread of invasive herbs like mint and horseradish in home gardens, growing them in containers is recommended, ensuring the containers have drainage holes to prevent roots from escaping.
- Indoor gardening can be an ideal solution for controlling the growth of invasive herbs, such as lemon balm and mint, which can be grown year-round in pots with proper drainage.
- For herbs like chives and non-herb invasive plants like English ivy, creating physical barriers, such as metal or plastic edging, can prevent roots from spreading underground, allowing for a more manageable garden lifestyle.
