Difference between revisions of "Methods of cultivation"
From Allotments4All
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Most new allotments will have a covering of both [[perennial weeds]] and [[annual weeds]]. The perennial weeds should be disposed of carefully, since they have the capacity to root and grow again if dug back into the soil. | Most new allotments will have a covering of both [[perennial weeds]] and [[annual weeds]]. The perennial weeds should be disposed of carefully, since they have the capacity to root and grow again if dug back into the soil. | ||
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| + | Do not add perennial weeds directly to a compost heap unless all light is excluded and you intend the heap to be left for a couple of years. Alternative treatment includes either burning/binning, or submerging in a spare waterbutt until they rot down completely. The resulting liquid can then be used as a liquid feed, or tipped back onto the on the compost heap as a wetter/activator in the summer. | ||
Covering up with black plastic, cardboard and other materials | Covering up with black plastic, cardboard and other materials | ||
Revision as of 09:20, 9 February 2006
Common pests and how to deal with them
Clearing ground
Ways of clearing first allotment
Bit at a time,
Composting (link),
Slash and burn,
Rotorvating
Most new allotments will have a covering of both perennial weeds and annual weeds. The perennial weeds should be disposed of carefully, since they have the capacity to root and grow again if dug back into the soil.
Do not add perennial weeds directly to a compost heap unless all light is excluded and you intend the heap to be left for a couple of years. Alternative treatment includes either burning/binning, or submerging in a spare waterbutt until they rot down completely. The resulting liquid can then be used as a liquid feed, or tipped back onto the on the compost heap as a wetter/activator in the summer.
Covering up with black plastic, cardboard and other materials
Raised beds
Raised bed describes a method of dividing ground between narrow strips designated for cultivation and bordered by permanant fixed paths.
Most are no wider than 4ft so you can reach to the middle and can work the bed without walking on the soil. They can be any length but the longer they are the further you will have to tend crops on the other side.
New paths need to be built wide enough to provide practical working space when tending crops and it is advisable to ensure a central path is wide enough for a wheel barrow access.
Borders to beds may be built with timber with plastic liner to keep the timber dry and prolong its life.
Hydroponics
What is it
Growing under glass
First idea
External links
(like all other pages, this is open for everyones contributions, just use the 'edit' button at the top of hte page or the 'edit section' buttons down the right hand side.
