Goutweed. Not such a scary weed!

Although many gardeners treat this plant as an unwanted guest, ground elder has its advantages. It can be a herbal raw material, and even... a helper in difficult corners of the garden.

Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria) is an expansive plant, but also useful. It grows quickly, creating dense carpets of green. Instead of fighting it, it is worth getting to know its possibilities. It will be especially useful in places where other plants fail.

Natural ground cover plant

In semi-shaded and damp corners of the garden, ground elder will work well as a natural ground cover. It protects the soil from erosion and weeds, creating an aesthetic, low turf. Importantly, it does not require care or fertilization. However, it is worth controlling its expansion, e.g. by planting it in a limiter or a container dug into the ground. Where to plant?

• On slopes and embankments, its expanding rhizomes perfectly stabilize loose soil and protect against erosion.
• Under trees and shrubs In semi-shaded places, where the lawn does not want to grow, ground elder will create a green carpet without any effort.
• Along fences and walls Instead of fighting weeds, use the power of nature. Ground elder effectively drives out other unwanted plants.

It must be remembered that the plant is too expansive to share space with more delicate species - do not plant it in perennial beds or in the vegetable garden.

When to harvest?

If you plan to use ground elder as a raw herbal material, collect its leaves in spring – preferably from May to mid-June, before it blooms. This is when they have the most active substances. Young, healthy leaves are suitable for drying – best collected on a dry, sunny day.

AM

Your opinion is important, but it cannot hurt other people or groups.

Log in