Hi I have just got an allotment and I am absolutely overwhelmed by the amount and size of the weeds on my plot :o. The thistles/stingers are nearly 4ft and the rest of the weeds are in flower and even taller! I confess I dont know where or how to start the de-weeding process :-[ Can anyone offer me any tips/advice on the best way to clear all these weeds off my plot. Oh there is also a small apple tree which I would quite like to keep . Thank you. :-*
Hi Lauren and welcome to the boards ;D
Take a look at this website http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/allotment/allotment-clear-1.asp which offers some advice on clearing a weed bound allotment - you'll need plenty of hard work, patience and a vision but in the end (and quicker than you may think) you will have a beautiful productive patch ;D
The same website has info on growing apples - I was reading these articles last night! http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_september_2_apple.asp
One more thing... where are you based?
Good luck and remember to take it slowly!
Thank you very much for your help yr a star!!! Will look at the web sites now. I'm in Portsmouth by the way and cant wait to get started growing my own produce. Thanks v much again :)
I initially wanted to follow the organic path but am lazy and so doused half the plot in RoundUp. This combined with cutting the weeds and covering any unused areas in sheeting has got me off to a fastish start.
The areas that I've planted I deurfed, taking about 2 inch deep spade shaped sods off to remove all the dead weeds and bulk of the roots (mostly grasses). The turfs I chucked onto the unused part of the plot and then I just dug into the revieled subsoil, taking out any remaining roots as I did so.
The other half of the plot I'll try and keep to organic and just dig it after it's been covered in plastic as I have more time for it now.
This must be the worst time of year to take on an allotment, when the weeds are growing faster than anything else! If I were you I'd clear a small section and get something planted, to keep your morale up, then start tackling the rest! Good luck and welcome!
Thanks for yr reply. I think im gonna go the petrol strimmer and Round Up route-use a 2 forked approach ;D. Theres an absolutely wonderfull plot 3 plots down from mine. The owner and his wife have been tending it every day for 30 years! Glad mine's not next to it though ;)
And remember to take lots of photos for your records.
I was just thinking that myself. A before and after shot ;D
hiya, lauren, welcome to the site, loads of good advice and encouragement here, lookin forward to seeing your piccies, dead nosy, me ;D
Welcome Lauren but I see you are not so new..
Remeber if the plot won't grow weeds it won't grow anything... a deep weed cover is a sure sign of a good soil... esp. stinging nettles which love old compost heaps and muck piles..
;D
Welcome Lauren, I took on my totally overgrown plot in November, It hadn't been touched for over 6 years. We strimmed it down and then dug out turf to create beds, it's been hard work but I'm proud to say I haven't had to resort to chemicals (I have been tempted and would not blame you if you did!! ;D )
As the others have said, you will receive fantastic info from everyone on here plus a shoulder to cry on when you feel it's not going the right way!! You will do it, just be patient, plant something now in one area and just take your time to clear the rest, it is supposed to be enjoyable so don't kill yourself!
sounds just like my plot though ive had mine for a year now and with this weather its just run away from me.
Had a wet late winter so digging was almost impossible - fortunately we have a tractor on site to drag over but its too wet to do that.
We need good weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh I remember the excitement turning to horror of where to start but do take photos great to look back on.
Petrol strimmers are great strim the whole lot and clear burn it if possible.
then cover it with plastic, old carpets anything to stop the light getting to weeds (stops them growing) and anymore rain
Dig and plant its great to see something growing keeps your spirits up.
Sow something like radish. quick to grow and to eat the first one straight from the ground the taste is so different to shop bought ones.
Nettles are a sign of good soil
Do take regular breaks and radox and painkillers for home you will be surprised where you have mucles haha.
But it keeps you fit and cheaper than a gym.