Topic: cLEARING THE 'JUNGLE'

[B]

Hi

I have just obtained an allotment but its a real ''jungle' and most of this year will be in clearing it. I have tried to find a supplier of black plastic  to enable me to cover part of the allotment but have failed. Can someone help put me in the right direction to find black plastic?

Also any tips on clearing the plot would be helpful

[caroline7758]

Try looking in "search"- this is a common topic.

[Jeannine]

Hi we bought 2 rolls a few weeks ago mail order, the deatils are below.

allplas.co.uk limited

tel 0874  320668

They are  Hertfrordshire

web site     www.allplaz.com

We bought the heaviest they had, deivery note reads

4 mtrx25mtrx300mu (1200 gauge) 25 mtr rolls X2

The price is not on the delivery note and I can't find the bill but I tyhink it was about £100 including delivery for both rolls.

It is very heavy, I actually can't pick then up, hubby has to, and the plastic is very thick

Hope this helps XX Jeannine

[rosebud]

How about asking around for old carpets they do an excellent job, & peeps like to get rid of them in the spring,  any help. ;D

[manicscousers]

hiya, B..welcome to the site, we used some old tarpaulins, blue ones, they worked as they were so thick  :)

[saddad]

Hi B welcome to the site... whereabouts is this Jungle?...
 ;D

[star]

Hiya B :D

wE GET OURS FROM AGRICULTURAL MERCHANTS..............(caps lock, sorry) Have a flick through the yellow pages, it might be cheaper online though?. Im sure what we got is silage plastic and if you find a damaged roll you can knock the price down ;)

[B]

Thanks for the replies.

Council tell me that help is available to clear disused plots. Seems a trend here is to keep them a month and of course they fall into disrepair. Not sure yet about what help mind you.

The plot is in Wales

[kenkew]

Check your local builders merchant. It's also used as an under concrete floor damp membrane. (Although much lighter plastic will do.)
 If you can get enough help with the clearing you won't need to cover it at all. Spring is just around the corner and you'll be wanting to get stuck into it rather than having it covered during the planting/growing season.
 Mark off a size you can cope with as a starter and concentrate on getting it ready. Then move to a new bit and do the same again. Don't be tempted to tackle the whole thing in one go, you'll soon get dis-heartened. Grab a few friends for a day or so to break it's back.
Good luck. Don't forget pic's of your plot before you start and pic's as you progress. There's nothing like proof of your work to boost moral.
Ken.

[Paulines7]

I bought my weed fabric from Trade Mart Shop on E Bay a year ago and am very pleased with it. 

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/TRADE-MART-SHOP

It is a heavyweight one but like all weed fabrics frays at the edge.  I was thinking of getting one of those special tools that cuts it and seals the edges but they are £234.90! 

See:
http://www.lbsgardenwarehouse.co.uk/product.asp?src=froogle&pf_id=NSG1&recno=8

[Belinda]

Suggest trying a soldering iron or a small blow torch  :P

[norfolklass]

this is what I bought a couple of rolls of, from B&Q: damp proof membrane

(yay, have finally figured out to customise links!!!)

[Hector]

Did you clear the jungle before  laying the membrane? I was wondering if to save backs, I could strim down couch grass, cover and plant through cover. Then maybe the roots are so dead I can dig easier next season?