Overgrown Area in Garden

I have recently moved into a house and one area, say 10 metres by 4 metres is extremely overgrown with nettles that are about 6 foot high. What is the best way of getting rid of these and making sure they dont return....burning them??

 

They spread by runners under the soil(as well as seed) so burning them will not work other then short term. Me, I would scythe the lot and soak if you can chop em up into water - they are a great source of nitrogen - which you can add back later. Then dig it over remove as much root as you can. I have them, and I don't find that the runners are very deep.

Needles to say wear protective clothing and gloves - however my father used to say if you grip a nettle quickly and firmly you don't get stung - and I have found that to be the case - but don't reccomend it :D

 

Good advice from Fran.
Alternatively, you could spray it all with good old Roundup and wait for it to do it's thing...

[ 20. August 2005, 06:49 PM: Message edited by: michaelmasdaisy ]

 

Thanks for the advice, particularly the soaking in water bit....how long do I soak it for, and then I guess I just strain the water and pour it back into the ground? I bought some roundup the other day and have used a full tub of it but the blighters arent dying...!!! Think the scythe is coming out soon!

 

Mmmmm, I wouldn't soak them if you have employed roundup. Could be just a tad fatal, as its systemic, to other plants :D

Roundup on nettles will take a week or so to show the result, and then you may need to reapply in two weekly intervals to get rid of them - and please don't try and compost the dead stems.

Mind at this time of year, you've got time clear the site and plant before the worst of the winter sets in