On May 7, 7:46 pm, (Paul S) wrote:
I've been attempting to dig the horsetail out (18 inches high in some
places, advice welcome), and was hoping the rain might help loosen the
ground, but it's done nothing here in Manchester. Just a dry dust.

Problem is, the horestail don't seem to mind the lack of rain. I measured
a 13 inch plant in the first week of April.

Don't even bother to try and dig it out, it would be a waste of time.
I stamp all over it and then spray with a weedkiller. Over 10 or so
years since it first appeared, I have managed to contain it to one bed
and it has diminished bout 90% as soon as I see a shoot coming
through, I bruise it and spray.