Topic: paths

[sweet-pea]

Just wondered whether anyone has any advice on paths in allotments.   We have a lot of couch grass in the allotment, and are starting to clear the allotment for the winter (only took on the allotment in May).  I was thinking it might be a good idea to clear away all the couch grass (well as much as is possible) now instead of leaving in paths of it, which would inevitably grow back into the bit's we've cleared.

So any advice welcome on what you guys use as paths.  Are there any suitable plants that would supress weeds, but don't mind been walked on either, that we could grow?  I was thinking maybe of clover.

[gavin]

Hi Katelowri,

Others will have all sorts of good ideas - but don't dismiss couch grass paths out of hand.  It's what I have.  Yes, the beds do need edging - once or twice a year;  the plants seem to learn it just ain't worth trying to grow into the beds, and I get fewer "adventurers" each year!   And I occasionally cut them.

But, the more I leave my paths like this, the more I suspect they are my best defence against slugs - partly because the slugs retreat under the grass overhanging the bed edge; easy to find, and easy to squash!  And the slugs lay their eggs there too - trim the edges a week or so after rain, and I see several clusters ------ out into the sun to bake, or for the birds to find!!!

All best - Gavin

[Ceri]

I might have a chance to skank some freshly chipped bark (the man who drives the council chipper lives round the corner and brings the chipper home!) - could I use this to make my paths?

[gavin]

Hi Cerig

I thought about bark - but then got nervous about it being ideal cover for slugs.   So I didn't even try it - and that ain't much use to anyone, is it!

All best - Gavin