Weeds

Creeping Thistle
(Cirsium arvense)

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Creeping Thistle

A perennial weed found in garden borders and in newly sown lawns. It spreads by seeds, which can germinate in the same year, or the deep tap root which can go down by 3m (9ft) and lateral roots that spread for up to 6m (19½ft). It has erect stems with wavy, spiny leaves and lilac flowerheads borne from June to September.

Control

The main ways to keep weeds under control is constant vigilance, never allowing the weed to flower or seed and mulching.

Remove young weeds by hand before they develop a deep tap root
For established weeds, remove as much of the root as possible
Regular mowing will help to eradicate them in the lawn
Spraying with weedkiller will do the job if the weeds are in the garden border.

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