Everyone has an herb that they are hesitant to grow, due to its invasive nature. We have all heard of yards being overrun with mint, or homes being buried under pounds of hops vines. Here are some ways to control the invasiveness of some herbs, while still being able to enjoy them.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes daily
Here's How:
- Plant invasive herbs in pots. Keep pots above ground or dig a hole and sink the pots up to the rim into the ground.
- Pinch or cut back vigorously. Keep ahead of the herb's growth so that it does not produce flowers and then seeds.
- If the herb travels underground via roots or runners, avoid this by planting in an area with cement walls to contain the soil, or create a self contained bedding area using plastic. Dig a large area, line with rubber or plastic, and fill with garden soil.
- If you find your invasive herb has managed to escape, control it by allowing the herb to grow and produce flowers. Once the flowers begin to die, cut the herb back very hard. This keeps the roots producing aerial parts and not saving any energy for the following growing season.
- Another way to control invasive herbs is to cover the area with a thick layer of mulch, ground cloth, plastic, newspaper or even carpet. Leave for an entire season before removing. Your invasive herbs should be dead and the area ready to replant with your choice of herb plants.
Tips:
- Stay ahead of pruning and cutting back flower heads of invasives.
- Use a thick mulch to deter underground growth and seeds from sprouting.
- Use containers to keep invasive herbs in check.
What You Need
- Containers
- Mulching material
- Pruning shears
