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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: pookienoodle on October 14, 2009, 19:00:49

Title: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: pookienoodle on October 14, 2009, 19:00:49
 >:(
when I took on my new lottie the council had already sprayed weedkiller,then after I had the keys they came and cut back the site.
today I went to visit and they have rotavated the entire site(20 plots)
I know this is a big no no as there were still loads of brambles still with live roots.
what is my best plan of action now?
cover it up an hope nothing grows?
is it worth trying to pick out the visible roots?
I am really peed off as even though it looks great,I know they have given me future heartache.
Title: Re: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: cornykev on October 14, 2009, 19:21:37
Cover all, except the area you will be digging all the roots and bramles out and uncover bit by bit digging out all the roots and brambles.
If you leave them in, it will take years of hard work fighting the weeds. Sling the lot in a pile and burn it, as it has been sprayed. I'm not a burner but with Nov 5th around the corner it should be ok, then use the ash on your plot.    ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: pookienoodle on October 14, 2009, 21:04:12
thanks,
there is a distinct bramble end of the plot,the rest is dandelions and couch.
which end should I tackle first do you think?
Title: Re: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: Jokerman on October 15, 2009, 00:07:27
cooch first, it will spread like hell otherwise....   
Title: Re: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: Digeroo on October 15, 2009, 06:30:22
Look on the bright side you have not mentioned bindweed.

Keep digging and hoeing.  Don't leave any spaces next year, I would cover any spaces with potatoes, courgettes and pumpkins.  They have an adverse effect on weeds.
Title: Re: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: shirlton on October 15, 2009, 08:43:24
I really don't know why they continue to rotovate new plots. Maybe because on the surface they look better but they are a nightmare once they have shredded up the couch. Just makes more work for the plotholder. At least you can see the enemy if they leave it alone
Title: Re: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: Kea on October 15, 2009, 10:06:34
Believe me buried blackberry is years of fun and even worse buried hawthorn. And while you're digging deep pits to get rid of those the couch grass and bindweed sneak up behind you!

Been there still trying to fix that!
Title: Re: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: daxzen on October 15, 2009, 10:42:54
great advice
Title: Re: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: SMP1704 on October 15, 2009, 21:18:15
On the plus side..........the rotavating has broken up the soil and will make it easier for you to dig over and get to the roots.

The truth is that whether dug manually or mechanically, your plot will not be weed free for a few years.  I strongly suggest using all your spare time this autumn/winter to hand dig, taking out roots as you go.  If you leave it, covered or otherwise, the roots will just regroup and be ready to sprout come spring; yes the plastic will slow them down, but unless you keep it covered for a few years, it won't kill them.
Title: Re: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: pookienoodle on October 15, 2009, 21:47:39
Quote from: Digeroo on October 15, 2009, 06:30:22
Look on the bright side you have not mentioned bindweed.

Keep digging and hoeing.  Don't leave any spaces next year, I would cover any spaces with potatoes, courgettes and pumpkins.  They have an adverse effect on weeds.
I have searched the whole site and I have not seen any bindweed :D :D
Title: Re: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: pookienoodle on October 15, 2009, 21:52:26
Quote from: shirlton on October 15, 2009, 08:43:24
I really don't know why they continue to rotovate new plots. Maybe because on the surface they look better but they are a nightmare once they have shredded up the couch. Just makes more work for the plotholder. At least you can see the enemy if they leave it alone
exactly
I had begun to cut back the brambles and was willing to tackle things bit
by bit.
now I can't see where the worst of it is and will have to work from memory.
Title: Re: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: Kea on October 19, 2009, 18:02:41
Quote from: pookienoodle on October 15, 2009, 21:47:39
Quote from: Digeroo on October 15, 2009, 06:30:22
Look on the bright side you have not mentioned bindweed.

Keep digging and hoeing.  Don't leave any spaces next year, I would cover any spaces with potatoes, courgettes and pumpkins.  They have an adverse effect on weeds.
I have searched the whole site and I have not seen any bindweed :D :D


Well don't get too excited...yet. There was no sign of any on my plot either for the first year.
Title: Re: council rotavated,what now?
Post by: pookienoodle on October 19, 2009, 20:14:37
Quote from: Kea on October 19, 2009, 18:02:41
Quote from: pookienoodle on October 15, 2009, 21:47:39
Quote from: Digeroo on October 15, 2009, 06:30:22
Look on the bright side you have not mentioned bindweed.

Keep digging and hoeing.  Don't leave any spaces next year, I would cover any spaces with potatoes, courgettes and pumpkins.  They have an adverse effect on weeds.
I have searched the whole site and I have not seen any bindweed :D :D


Well don't get too excited...yet. There was no sign of any on my plot either for the first year.
?
cheer me up why don't you ;)