Oxalis Control

Question

Hi there I have a separate vegetable bed that has only dying cucumber and courgette plants and a large amount of oxalis. I don’t need the bed at the moment so I want to concentrate on getting rid of the oxalis. What is your recommendation between these two options? 1. Dig over the soil, removing as much oxalis as possible, then covering with an old carpet. 2. Dig over the soil, removing as much oxalis as possible, then plant a mixed green cover crop such as Autumn Manure Mix from Kings Seeds. Which option do you think will work the best. Thanks, Lisa

Answer 1

You will, first, need to kill the Oxalis. If this isn't done, then you will only be spreading the plant. Disturbing the roots will cause all of the root nodules and growth points to grow twice as vigorous than before.

Killing Oxalis with chemical means will be difficult and will leave your soil toxic. Killing with boiling water will be the best option, but will need to be done several times.

Pour boiling water on the area several times a day for a few days. Once this is done you can dig up the soil. Turn it well, then pour more boiling water to kill off the remaining root nodules.

Cover with plastic for a few weeks to solarize any seeds that survive the boiling (which there will be many), then remove and plant fresh.

Here an article that will offer more information:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/managing-oxalis-weeds-in-lawn.htm