The groundsel or groundsel (Senecio) is a highly poisonous genus of plants from the daisy family. Well-known and feared representatives are primarily Jacob's ragwort and common ragwort. The beautiful plants are very dangerous for both humans and animals and should therefore be combated effectively. However, this is difficult because the plants can spread seeds over long distances. For example, the narrow-leaved groundsel grows primarily along highways and railway lines because its seeds are spread using the same means of transport.
How can I successfully combat ragwort?
In order to combat ragwort effectively, it is recommended to pull out or cut out the plants before they bloom, to mow affected areas twice a year or to cover them with a weed fleece. However, chemical and biological methods are less successful.
Mow larger areas twice a year
Basically, old weeds have to be removed quickly or prevented from sowing, even when they are in small quantities - otherwise the very vigorous plants will spread very quickly over large areas. Once this has happened, the affected area should no longer be used as pasture or for hay production and should be mown at least twice a year - ideally directly before flowering. However, this method is very time-consuming and must therefore be combined with others. The grass cuttings should be removed and ideally burned, as the flowers are not ripe and can still go to seed.
Tearing out and cutting out
For individual or few specimens, it makes sense to dig them up or cut them out over a large area. The best way to do this is to use a digging fork (€139.00 on Amazon) that is guided as low as possible. Ragwort often develops a deep taproot; all root components should also be removed, as the plant can sprout again even from the smallest parts. For the same reason, dug up groundwort does not belong in the compost, but should be burned or disposed of with organic waste.
Chemical and Biological Control
In the private sector, large-scale chemical control of ragwort is difficult because permission must be obtained - but this is only granted to agricultural businesses. Treatment with herbicides that are effective against cruciferous herbs is therefore not possible. Biological control through the use of carmine or blood bear caterpillars (Tyria jacobea) also shows only limited success.
Other methods
Instead of relying on chemicals, you can cover the affected area with a weed fleece for several months after mowing and thus cause the remaining parts of the plant to die. This method is very effective for larger areas, but has a serious disadvantage: it also kills any other growth.
Tip
Before you start fighting ragwort, first carry out a specific determination. For example, St. John's wort, a medicinal plant, is very similar to St. James's ragwort.
