Perennial weeds

Perennial weeds include, in rough order of frequency:

• Couch grass — tough, narrow cream roots running just under the surface before producing coarse grass clumps. Tops can be composted; roots rotted in water.
• Bindweed (columbine) — thick cream roots that break easily and regrow from a piece just an inch long.
• Dandelion — deep tap root that regrows if you only remove the top.
• Blackberry and raspberry — very invasive, deep roots that spread underground and pop up feet away. Good varieties can be saved and replanted to save money.
• Nettle — bright yellow roots that go deep; the composted tops make a good nitrogen feed.
• Thistle — deep-rooted with soft white tap roots.
• Mare’s tail — bright green spiky shoots like a miniature conifer, with deep travelling roots that are hard to spot. All parts should be removed from site.

The worst offenders

Couch grass and bindweed are the worst offenders — persistent, capable of travelling long distances underground, and able to regenerate from a small piece of root. They can run under paths and sheds, so dig them out completely. If left, they’ll compete with your crops, spread further, and use up the fertiliser you’ve dug in.