This plant grows best in full shade but will grow in full sun or part sun as long as the soil is consistently moist. Sandy or gravelly soil promotes rapid growth, so incorporate sand or gravel into a traditional potting mix to prepare the container. The more fertile and humus-rich the soil, the more slowly horsetail grows. Dive into water gardening!
Controlling Horsetail
Horsetail is one of the oldest plants on earth. And for good reason: It’s tough to eradicate. Chemical control may be the best option for completely removing the plant from an area. A systemic herbicide, such as triclopyr, is an option if the plant is not growing in water. Be sure to follow label directions exactly. You may have to apply it more than once. Check with your local DNR office with questions about wetland uses. If you’re patient, you can try repeatedly eliminating the top growth to prevent spores from germinating. It may take years, but in theory the plant will eventually die out. Another chemical-free option is to alter the growing conditions by making the site inhospitable to this ancient plant. Improve drainage to take away the wet conditions loved by horsetail. Boosting the soil’s nutrient content will deprive the plant of the poor, infertile soil it prefers. Don’t try digging up this plant; you will undoubtedly leave behind tiny pieces of root that will sprout into whole new plants.
