Rufus wrote:
I would like to eliminate the use of 'chemicals' from my garden,
but
right now it is infested with equisetales (aka horsetails, mare's
tails, etc). There are some big patches, others are in small
clusters among the vegetables and flowers.

The only way I know to get rid of them is to spray in the growing
season with glyphosate. Even then you have to give them a thrashing
first to scrape their surface and let the weedkiller penetrate.

If anyone knows of an alternative, I'd be grateful to hear about it.

Meantime, the best I'm hoping for is to keep the amount of
glyphosate
I use down to a minimum. Even that is a problem, since the only
form
I can buy locally is ready-made solutions in spray containers. I
have a vague memory that you used to get it in other forms, in
applicators that allowed you to dab it on to individual weeds.

Does anyone know of any devices like this? Or could I simply use a
paintbrush?

There is also the problem of our climate. You can't spray unless
it's
calm, and for plants to absorb the stuff the plants need to be dry,
and need to stay dry for several hours after spraying. That means
waiting till the dew has burned off, and hoping the forecast is
right.

Again, is there any way round this? Could I spray, then cover the
area for a few hours?

I will experiment, but I'd welcome any advice.

I have successfully controlled horsetails by spraying with Roundup to
which washing up liquid has been added. The WU liquid reduces the
surface tension on the foliage allowing the spray to adhere to the
plant - and also produces foam (when sprayed) which is a good
indicator of which bits you have missed. It does take some time for
the effects to be seen and if possible, try to leave the fronds until
they have withered and gone brown.
On a really well established patch you may have some regrowth the
following year but a repeat treatment seems to see it off. Now is
definitely the best time to attack it while the growth is fresh and
lush.

--
ned