How to Get Rid of Horseradish

Horseradish, a pungent and spicy root, makes a delicious accompaniment for meats and sandwiches. If you decide to grow horseradish in the garden, you may need to control the spread of this energetic plant. The roots can be invasive, but you can get rid of horseradish by removing it manually. With continued effort, you can control the spread and prevent horseradish from taking over the garden.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Mulch
• Burlap

Instructions

1. Dig up the horseradish from the soil with a shovel. Dig deeply to ensure that you remove every trace of roots from the soil. Remove all horseradish from the soil throughout the growing season.

2. Cover the planting area with a thick layer of compost in the autumn. Add up to 6 inches of mulch over the soil to suppress new growth.

3. Spread burlap over the mulch, and anchor the burlap with large stones or bricks to hold it securely until the next spring.

4. Remove the burlap and the mulch in the spring, and check the growing area. If you see new horseradish shoots, dig up the roots and discard them.

5. Continue watching the growing area. When you see any horseradish growth, dig it up immediately.

References

• Oregon State University Extension; Horseradish; March 1996
• Utah State University Cooperative Extension; Horseradish in the Garden; Gilbert Young, et al.; June 2010