Allotments 4 All

Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: pntalbot on March 08, 2007, 07:09:03

Title: Weedkiller
Post by: pntalbot on March 08, 2007, 07:09:03
Want  to clear  my  Lotty  footpaths  of  grass twice a year. Have  tried Roundup  that you spray on, but  it doesn`t  go far. I am told, you can buy weedkiller, at B & Q  for approx £40,  that you dilute  with water.
Can anybody  tell me, what it is called please ? ?
Title: Re: Weedkiller
Post by: Gillysdad on March 08, 2007, 08:50:42
Why spend all that money on weedkiller just to have a "clean" path. If the grass gets on your nerves that much skim it off with a spade. It's instant and only costs you the expended energy, plus it'll make you more popular with your neighbours. ;)
Title: Re: Weedkiller
Post by: OllieC on March 08, 2007, 09:36:32
Also, I heard they've invented something called a er.... now, what was it.... I think it was called a "Lawn Motor" or something like that... anyway, it can "mow" your grass down for you. Am I missing something?
Title: Re: Weedkiller
Post by: pntalbot on March 08, 2007, 12:49:13
Quote from: pntalbot on March 08, 2007, 07:09:03
Want  to clear  my  Lotty  footpath edges  of  grass twice a year. Have  tried Roundup  that you spray on, but  it doesn`t  go far. I am told, you can buy weedkiller, at B & Q  for approx £40,  that you dilute  with water  and lasts  for years.
Can anybody  tell me, what it is called please ? ?
Title: Re: Weedkiller
Post by: dtw on March 08, 2007, 14:56:03
Sounds a bit expensive for weedkiller, why not put in lawn edging plastic,
that will keep the edges nice and straight.
Then trim it back with some sheers.
Title: Re: Weedkiller
Post by: Carls3168 on March 09, 2007, 10:14:17
Hiya pntalbot,

I know where your coming from. On our allotment we are responsible for cutting the grass on the communial paths next to the allotment - infact its actually in the insurance that we must so we dont get sued if anyone `slips` on them!!!
No electric on our Site, so thats the lawnmower out of the question.
I bought a 5 ltr tub of weedkiller from B&Q last year, ready mixed and has a `gun` you screw in the top on a long pipe to walk round with.Think it was only about £10.00 though - £40.00 sounds a little steep!  ???
Title: Re: Weedkiller
Post by: cambourne7 on March 09, 2007, 10:23:48
hi

What your looking for is glyphosate its one of the main ingrediant of roundup but homebase and b&q will sell this in powder format which you can make up in a watering can.

I bought some for MIL 3 years ago and it was about 2.99 for a 350ml bottle and she uses it twice a year as your are wanting to on here front garden paths and drive way to remove weeds ( after hip replacement we cant have her slipping ). She has loads left after 3 years.

Had a look online and found this

http://www.coopersdirect.com/pageview.php?page=show_product&ecommerce_stockcode=5000371051453

for under £7
Title: Re: Weedkiller
Post by: Barnowl on March 09, 2007, 12:30:45
Instead of spending £40 on weedkiller, for about £50 you can get a cordless strimmer. We use a Bosch Cordless Accutrim. No use for heavy duty clearing but works fine for grass and general tidying up round the edges,. It can also be set to do lawn edging.

On the weedkiller front, I picked up some commercial strength Roundup at a fair price from a farm supplies shop down in Kent (but haven't yet dared use any of it!) Might be worth checking to see if you've a similar organisation in your area.
Title: Re: Weedkiller
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on March 09, 2007, 21:49:40
I had a cordless one, but it wasn't up to the job on my allotment. I wouldn't buy another.
Title: Re: Weedkiller
Post by: cambourne7 on March 16, 2007, 16:06:08
http://www.queenswood.co.uk/product.asp?P_ID=613&strPageHistory=search&strKeywords=weedkiller&numPageStartPosition=1&strSearchCriteria=any&PT_ID=all

this will fix the problem and its not 2 expensive
Title: Re: Weedkiller
Post by: Tee Gee on March 16, 2007, 16:16:12
I use a Chiilington hoe;  http://tinyurl.com/2rbqmx
Title: Re: Weedkiller
Post by: jennym on March 16, 2007, 16:30:50
Cambourne7, looking at the link that you posted for weedkiller, to be honest anything containing sodium chlorate isn't really suitable for use on an allotment.

One way to buy Roundup more cheaply is to buy it in concentrated form, Ultra 3000 was on one label I have seen, and then dilute it according to the instructions and apply it with a coarse nozzled spray or via watering can. the pack that you buy already in a sprayer are very expensive for the amount you get.

Must agree though that strimming, edging etc normally keep grass paths under control, I think the first thing is to cut a good clean edge on it with a sharp spade, this defines the path and makes it easier to work with.
Title: Re: Weedkiller
Post by: Melbourne12 on March 16, 2007, 18:00:22
This is the strongest (and I think the cheapest) Roundup.  I have a 5 litre container of it, and it's very effective and economical. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Roundup-Pro-Biactive-Weedkiller-1lt-PROFESSIONAL-GRADE_W0QQitemZ320091875790QQcategoryZ50377QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem