Alan Titchmarsh issues warning over 'nightmare' plant and what people 'must not do' with it

-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh has given a crucial bit of advice for gardening enthusiasts in the UK, warning about the dangers of a specific plant he's labelled a 'nightmare'.

The esteemed 75 year old imparted his wisdom in the most recent issue of BBC Gardeners' World magazine, advising on how to tackle the invasive Japanese knotweed, which he calls a 'botanical nightmare' that "needs to be treated with caution."

He said: "Cheap plants from the back of a lorry or barrow might seem an attractive proposition, but only if you know where they came from and when.

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"As to the botanical nightmares, yes, they need to be treated with caution, but if you find one or two shoots of Japanese knotweed in your back garden you don't need to leave your house," reports the Express.

Alan Titchmarsh
Alan reckons 'a spade and a bit of muscle' could be sufficient -Credit:Getty

"What you must not do is allow them to escape into your neighbour's garden, nor sell your house without informing the purchaser of its presence (the rules and regulations are online)."

Alan, who took up the reins as the main presenter on Gardeners' World in 1996, and has been a fixture on British televisions for years, also offered further prudent counsel for those spotting the notorious weed.

If it's just a couple of shoots, he suggests tackling it yourself "with a spade and a bit of muscle". However, Alan emphasized that for more serious invasions, it's key to seek out professional help.

Alan Titchmarsh
Alan warned gardeners may need to seek professional help for the problem

The TV gardener advised: "If there are just one or two shoots and they are well inside the boundary, a spade and a bit of muscle are the first steps, and all the shoots and roots should be burned in a garden incinerator."

He added: "It is called 'gardening'. The trick is to be vigilant and deal with the thug as soon as it appears."

He also warned: "You will read that Japanese knotweed roots can penetrate the ground for a metre, and if you have a vigorous and spreading patch, then yes, call in a specialist who will treat it glyphosate once it has flowered."