' Wonderful Weeds'

 Technical  ' Wonderful Weeds': Dock

Dock is one of the toughest weeds, it usually grows on a nitrate rich acid soil.  

Dock produces new plants from nearly any root left in the ground. 

Dock seed is ripen even before the flower sets. 
The seed is viable as soon as this weed sends up its green flowers. 
So do not let it self-seed nor should you plough / rotavate the ground where dock is. 

To eliminate Dock either spray more than once with weed killer and spot spray each spring, or organically cultivate the soil in dry weather

The best solution is to Mulch or use weed killer before sowing a meadow.   

Some growers strip the soil making sure not to leave any roots of the Dock and sow a mixture suitable for an acid soil.

Control: Clear all dock with weed killer,  before sowing a meadow.

If Dock grows after the meadows is sown then spot spray in early spring, and again in late April and May.

Do not let seed heads develop nor dig it as you will only encourage each piece of root to form a new plant.   It is the type of maintenance & regular cutting that will control the Dock. 

If the plant was made fashionable we lazy gardeners would be in our element.