Excuse me if I'm repeating a well trodden path but have a questions that need answering.
As with most beginners Iam faced with an allotment that has had little love for years. Because of this the going is hard yet I have made some head way. Am really being realistic now and know that Rome will not be built in a day but am left with one query.
By covering the already dug earth with Black Plastic how long do I have to leave it? And is it true that I can grow pots thru the plastic?
Any input would be great............
It depends on what you have covered up Mogdent... just meadow grass six-seven weeks will kill it off. Perennials up to two years. Yes you can plant through but watch for slugs, put down some pellets under the polythene. and bank up the gaps with straw or something as the spuds come up!
:)
Hope that helps
Thanks
I'm not sure what was covering the ground...........a grass of somekind that has miles and miles of roots! I have taken most out but am not confident after reading around the subject so felt the plastic was a good back up. Work my way around the site and then get growing. :-\
hi MOGDENT, welcome to the madhouse!
If you have dug the ground over why are you wanting to cover it in plastic? We cover freshly dug ground until it is ready to be planted in then remove the plastic. If you are covering weeds then saddad has given you the right advice.
Sounds like Couch Grass Mogdent, I'd dig it over to get the worst out first...
:-X
Welcome to the forum.
If you think you've got most of the weeds/roots out of the areas you have dug start planting them up.
if you cover couch for a season, then provided you dig the edges of the plastic in six inches or so, there will be little or nothing left after a season. At that point, it's much easier and quicker to dig it over and get rid of anything that's left.
Thanks guys....
Thinking now that I should cover most of area with the plastic and concentrate on the small area that I have cleared for this year. Then by the time I get round to the main plot the couch (?) grass will be less of a beast.
Does anyone know the bestplace to get the plastic? Can it be found 2nd hand or only new. Very keen to recylce/re-use if I can.
This forum thing is very good for the motivation when nursing sore muscles from yesterday!
Welcome Mogdent :D
I got our plastic from an agricultural supplier. If you have access to one, any damaged rolls are useless for sileage so you may get a good deal.
There are mail order places too someone will be along to give you a link soon ;)
Welcome aboard, have fun and enjoy :)
hiya, mogdent, nice to meet you, enjoy your new plot ;D
Hello Mogdent,
Welcome from me also ;D
Don't forget we like lots of before, during and after piccies ::)
Good luck and congrats on your new plot
Lauren
Mog and welcome to the asylum. :P :P :P ;D ;D ;D