Getting rid of green alkanet

[Karen2005]

I've got green alkanet (also known as Pentaglottis sempervirens and Evergreen Bugloss) in my garden. I've tried digging it up, but the roots go down so far and are a nightmare to get up completely. Are there any easy ways of getting rid of the plants? (i'd like to avoid weed killer if at all possible as I'd like to grow vegetables on the site). http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/alkan et.htm Many thanks Karen

[Thunderbird+]

Hi Karen, What a bunch of names ! I know this one as Alkanet or Anchusa also.
The only way I know to get rid of it is to dig out the whole root, especially the long tap root. I have a specially addapted digging fork for plants such as this, instead of the usual 4 tines, it's been cut down and has just 2 tines in the middle, I find it very useful and easy to dig down and leaver it out. The other day I dug out a common mallow with it wich had resisted mowing, strimming and weedkiller!
If you have an old fork spare that you can cut down with a hack saw, I dont think you will regret it. Good Luck Tbird+