Allotments 4 All

Hi all

I finally layed out my plot into raised beds. However,  I now have 2' wide paths in between them, which at the moment aren't too bad to keep clear of weeds, but in the future - the things of nightmares!

I was wondering, whats the best economical solution to this dilemma? Grass, Bark etc. I vaguely, I think, remember reading or being told that grass paths draw in certain ground pests. Is this true, if so, whats the best solution?

All advice welcome

Thanks

Baz :-\

Hi Baz,

I am relatively new to all this as well but have gone for bark chip paths in-between raised beds:




Grass is an option I thought of as it's more natural but it needs cutting on a regular basis and I need to spend all my time on more important things down the plot at the moment so chose the barked method.

I am lucky though as we had a huge amount of chipping dropped off at the site for everyone to use and guess without this it would have been an expensive option... but I'm sure if you find a local gardening contractor you would be able to get some for your plot if you decide on barking your paths.


Also if you do decide on bark I would reccommend putting down something like weed suppressant or carpet tiles before barking... I had plenty of carpet tiles dumped on my plot so used these but anything like plastic sheeting etc.. should be fine.


Only other option I can think of is paving slabs, managed to get a load for free from Freecycle so will be using these for some of the pathways. May be worth asking on there for any spare going free localy!


Best of luck!


Lawrence

I have found that a layer of newspaper covered by cardboard cut to size covered by free woodchips (local factory) to be good. A few tough weeds have made their way through this, but are easily dealt with one by one (I admit to a tiny squirt of roundup on dandelions and other toughies when they appear).

The only disadvantage was that last year I had a badger attack during a dry period, searching for woms, as worms love this covering.

I use bark as a mulch all over the place.

However, we also have a badger sanctuary close by.

These b**gers just love rooting through bark for the insects/grubs/worms that they live on, which makes a real mess.

I can't do anything about it as they're protected by law.

oh my goodness baaaaa,surely you werent thinking of bumping them off?

No, but its very disheartening to see the damage and mess they make, not to mention the missing veg.

I wouldn't mind except that I never get to see them.

What about straw? Anyone know the best place to buy it?

what about your local stables . depending how much you would need

Im finding that leaving my paths as just plain old dirt is really easy...as they are walked regularly hardly any weeds have grown even with the sunshine & rain combination we have had lately. I just hoe off any weeds that do appear in literally seconds. I decided against bark etc because I didnt want to give slugs a home near my crops  ;)
My soil is clay based though & bakes to a hard surface quickly on the paths as I take care not to water them.

As Ive only had me lottie for a couple of months I also didnt want to make anything too permanent incase I want to change the layout of my beds for next year. I have made raised beds by simply lifting the topsoil from the path areas & adding it to the beds which I have marked out with canes. I havent boxed any in yet with wood etc except for a nursery bed that will remain in the same place from now on.

old carpets allways a favourite,allthough the nettles force through!!

Quote from: STEVEB on May 19, 2008, 18:45:35
old carpets allways a favourite,allthough the nettles force through!!

Carpets  :o

Only joking! Carpets have been a real pain for me as my plot wasn't used for a long time before I took it on and all I keep finding is carpets no matter how deep we dig  ::)



Guess they are fine as long as they are disposed of properly when people have finished using them!


Regards,

IsleworthTW7

QuoteGuess they are fine as long as they are disposed of properly when people have finished using them!

And as long as on the day after you've just hauled loads of carpets, scavenged from all over the neighbourhood, to your allotment to use as paths, some bugger doesn't go and put up a big sign saying that carpets are banned  >:(