Horsetail and composting

Yes, I reckon horsetail tops won't regrow, the grass cuttings should help your compost get to a decent temp to cook them anyway.

 

I, also, think that regular grass cuttings with the horsetail in it shouldn't be a problem for composting. If you miss cutting it and the grass is longer then I'd be inclined to put it in the recycling.

With the compost bin:-
If it's a proper, enclosed bin with a plastic or metal bottom, then you won't have problems with the compost in it. If it's an open bottomed bin/heap then I would be inclined to lay a plastic membrane, then some paving stones then more membrane before starting the compost.

 

Yes, Horsetail produces spores in Spring.

That's why it's best to keep cutting the grass frequently before it gets a chance to spore. In flowerbeds, around springtime, you need to 'pull' them (grip them gently where they meet the soil and pull, gently, directly upwards. This will remove a section of root as well) as frequently as possible - at least once a week.

The spores walk and jump . They 'walk' when the humidity rises and 'jump' when the humidity has reached its peak and starts to dry out.

Outside of the Spring period they multiply by root growth.

 

It's almost impossible to get rid of. Weed killer isn't very effective but it can restrict the growth - it depends on how long the plants have been there. It dates back to prehistoric times!

If trying weed killer on it then you need to bruise the plant first so that the chemical can penetrate the outer surface. The old fashioned way was to bash the weed with a spade before applying it.

I just do my weekly patrol, pull it, bag it and bin it. Even in my size garden that doesn't take too long as you soon learn where the weed is growing. you just need to keep a sharp eye out for it appearing somewhere else. I do bindweed at the same time.