Renowned gardener Monty Don urges spring gardeners to stay vigilant against couch grass, an invasive weed that proves nearly impossible to eradicate once established.
Gardeners’ World Preview Highlights the Threat
In a recent appearance on BBC’s Morning Live, Monty Don discussed the upcoming 2026 series of Gardeners’ World, set to air Fridays starting March 13 at 8pm on BBC. During the segment, he showcased couch grass (Elytrigia repens) freshly pulled from the soil, emphasizing its dangers.
“It’s a really successful plant, and once it gets established, it takes over,” Monty Don stated. “Couch grass is something that will work its way into the roots of other plants. That’s its real problem in a border. If it works its way into perennials and shrubs, let alone into hedges, it is almost impossible to get out.”
Why Couch Grass Thrives in Spring
This perennial weed emerges early in spring, often before other plants, making it highly visible as temperatures rise. Its rapid growth from spring through autumn forms thick underground stems, or rhizomes, that spread quickly in gardens and vegetable patches.
The primary challenge arises when couch grass infiltrates the roots of desirable plants, creating dense mats that resist removal. Monty Don noted its brittleness: “It is quite brittle. So if you leave any bit of it in the ground, it will reproduce. So we try to take out as much of that and burn it. Don’t put it on the compost heap.”
Control Tips and Lawn Considerations
In lawns, regular mowing helps manage couch grass growth. However, its rhizomes can still invade nearby beds and borders. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) describes it as a persistent weed in borders, lawns, and allotments, recommending early removal to prevent spread.
RHS adds: “Those wishing to maintain immaculate, uniform lawns and tidy borders are likely to want to remove couch grass before it becomes established and spreads.”
Ecological Benefits for Wildlife
Despite its notoriety, couch grass supports biodiversity. Its leaves feed caterpillars of butterflies and moths, such as speckled wood and ringlet species. Clumps provide shelter for beetles and other small creatures, while flower and seed heads enhance meadow-like areas.
As ecological gardening gains popularity, many view couch grass as a valuable wildflower rather than solely a pest.
