Hey everyone! I'm looking at my north-facing front garden, which is really mostly shady and lined with a hedge. It gets some sun in the afternoons but there's lots of moss and horsetail mixed with patches of grass. I was thinking about planting wild garlic to cover this messy area and benefit from some tasty wild garlic pesto as well. I've already got some seeds, but I'm wondering if this is a good idea. Will my garden look barren in winter? And could it spread into my neighbor's garden? Any suggestions or advice would be really appreciated!
1 Answer
I've got some thoughts for you! First off, wild garlic can be a challenge to start from seed if you've got a lot of grass and moss. Honestly, you'd probably have better luck planting bulbs, or starting seeds in trays and then moving them as plugs. They might have a better chance of thriving that way.
About the growing season—wild garlic usually gives you some foliage for about four months, but keep in mind that you might be snipping it for pesto before it flowers, which is a good way to manage it. As for the horsetail, it seems like a persistent plant that usually doesn't mind competing, but just watch out for it sprouting around the same time as your wild garlic.
Finally, regarding whether it will invade your neighbor's garden—yeah, wild garlic has a spreading habit. If it gets established, it might spread through the hedge. But honestly, if your neighbors are dealing with horsetail too, you might all be in this together! Maybe consider other shade-loving plants too—they could give you a more balanced and colorful look!
And if you really want to get rid of the horsetail, pulling it out is key, though it's tough work. Getting your neighbors involved in managing it could really make a difference. Good luck!
Thanks for all these tips! Sounds like I might have some work ahead, but I really appreciate it.