Hi gang,
You've probably heard this before, but I've not worked an allotment since I helped
my dad when I was a sprog. Just taken over my plot and it's a mess. We are on
heavy clay and in this weather, it's baked rock hard! The weeds, some of which are about 4ft tall aren't a problem. Much as I hate chemicals, they've had their first spray of roundup, and are dying nicely. Paid our first visit last week and had a chop down session. Anyone got any ideas as to what I can do to make a start on the soil? Or do I just pray for rain and wait? Never thought I'd be saying that in the summer hols!! Thanks.
do you have any water on the site?
if you do (butts, river or stand pipes), you could water an area you intend to dig, giving it a good soaking, then covering it with plastic or carpet or big sheets of cardboard, anything to stop evaporation, then wait a week. the soil should be rehydrated after this time (the water you gave plus water from the ground that hasnt evaporated) and may then be diggable.
in the absence of rain that would probably be my approach.
alternatively, wait for rain then dig quickly.
as always, our matra is 'little and often', make a plan for where you want your beds to be, then dig one at a time (or half)
keep going
keep your back turned to the undug end of the allotment and face the already dug area, to give you inspiration.
check in the wiki at the top of this page for lots of tips
Get a load of black plastic; right now the weeds are seriously weakened by the drought. Cover as much as you can, don't forget to dig the edges of the plastic in six inches or so, and take advantage. Meanwhile, dig a small area which can be used for overwintering onions, garlic, spring cabbage, etc. Uncover the rest gradually as you find time and energy to dig more.
If you can get a farmer to deliver a load of Muck... cover the areas you want with about 6" and stand back... you will have a small window of opportunity to dig, between it being rock hard and waterlogged... this back end and again in spring...the more organic matter you can get in the sooner it loosens up...
Do a few trial digs... some areas will be easier to work than others... where previous tenants have improved the structure... unless you find a loose bit roots should be a non starter so the muck isn't an issue!
Good Luck... it pays in the end.. better than a greedy/hungry sandy soil where everything just shoots through at least this holds moisture and nutrients!
:)
Yes, we do have water on site. We're lucky that we're actually next to the tap. We also found two baths in the rubbish! Dry, naturally, but hope for the future. Going down on Tuesday, so will give it a try. We do have a couple of small bits already covered in plastic (we think), but too much rubbish on top to be sure. Will try and get into them and see what lurks beneath!!!Thanks Svea, and keep the help coming!
Quote from: Svea on August 05, 2006, 09:52:09
do you have any water on the site?
if you do (butts, river or stand pipes), you could water an area you intend to dig, giving it a good soaking, then covering it with plastic or carpet or big sheets of cardboard, anything to stop evaporation, then wait a week. the soil should be rehydrated after this time (the water you gave plus water from the ground that hasnt evaporated) and may then be diggable.
in the absence of rain that would probably be my approach.
alternatively, wait for rain then dig quickly.
as always, our matra is 'little and often', make a plan for where you want your beds to be, then dig one at a time (or half)
keep going
keep your back turned to the undug end of the allotment and face the already dug area, to give you inspiration.
check in the wiki at the top of this page for lots of tips
As as said in Svea's reply. We have found two bits already covered in black plastic, but too much rubbish on top at the mo to see what's beneath it. Will have a look on Tuesday and try and move the plastic to the cut down bit. Hoping desperately to be able to get some winter stuff in. Tons of brambles though! Good job we all like blackberry pie. At least we can come home with something. Keep the ideas rolling. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks a mil.
Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on August 05, 2006, 10:18:47
Get a load of black plastic; right now the weeds are seriously weakened by the drought. Cover as much as you can, don't forget to dig the edges of the plastic in six inches or so, and take advantage. Meanwhile, dig a small area which can be used for overwintering onions, garlic, spring cabbage, etc. Uncover the rest gradually as you find time and energy to dig more.
Our site actually provides well rotted manure, but we are waiting for the next load. The last lot got used really quickly for mulching, because of the drought apparently. We have tried digging in a couple of spots, but no joy. Going to try the bits under plastic on Tuesday and see if that's any better. Thanks for your help.
Quote from: saddad on August 05, 2006, 11:00:48
If you can get a farmer to deliver a load of Muck... cover the areas you want with about 6" and stand back... you will have a small window of opportunity to dig, between it being rock hard and waterlogged... this back end and again in spring...the more organic matter you can get in the sooner it loosens up...
Do a few trial digs... some areas will be easier to work than others... where previous tenants have improved the structure... unless you find a loose bit roots should be a non starter so the muck isn't an issue!
Good Luck... it pays in the end.. better than a greedy/hungry sandy soil where everything just shoots through at least this holds moisture and nutrients!
:)