The challenge set against me - updated 12 July

[amandaandherveg]

Good luck allotmentlady, I'm sure it will look the biz in no time at all.

[TonyF]

Wish I lived close enough to give a hand.

Wot Shirl said but SW France is also a bit far - but I'm going to have a seed clear out and tho it doesn't help you in the short term, happy to donate some to your project.

[Snadger]

I rather like it the way it is!!!

Have fun!!!!!!

[Glutton4...]

Trust you Snadger!

Like those above - I'd help if you were nearer

Good luck with it though - looks lovely despite the growth.

[Lottieval]

AL, sorry you've had so much bovver, I wish I was nearer I'd come and give a hand, That's just what my plot looked like when I took it on. Mind you I had no GH or fruit trees, looks as though you might have some fennel in there at the top. The only thing I can offer at the moment is a couple of pumpkin seeds which are just germinating on kitchen roll at the mo ( after my pumpkin from Homebase which has turned out to be a marrow) and we don't even like marras!. My strawbs are busy putting runners out everywhere, you'd be welcome to some of those when they're rooted, they were new this year from a nursery so are decent, disease free stock. Do it gently, don't overdo it at least if you've now had some rain the weeds'll come up more easy.

[shirlthegirl43]

AL, sorry you've had so much bovver, I wish I was nearer I'd come and give a hand, That's just what my plot looked like when I took it on. Mind you I had no GH or fruit trees, looks as though you might have some fennel in there at the top. The only thing I can offer at the moment is a couple of pumpkin seeds which are just germinating on kitchen roll at the mo ( after my pumpkin from Homebase which has turned out to be a marrow) and we don't even like marras!. My strawbs are busy putting runners out everywhere, you'd be welcome to some of those when they're rooted, they were new this year from a nursery so are decent, disease free stock. Do it gently, don't overdo it at least if you've now had some rain the weeds'll come up more easy.

Want to swap your marrow for a pumpkin plant? I have a spare with about 4 leaves if you want it (might be more than 4 leaves - too wet to go check just now)

[Alice]

Jings, you've got a job on there Allotment lady. I think a working party is what you need. It can be done - but not all at once. I would do it square yard by square yard.
Our last garden was like that when we took it on - an acre of it. We started by clearing it with a box of matches and ended with a truly beautiful garden. But we didn't do it in a week - it took 25 years. Good luck and I'm sure you can make something workable of it in quick time.

[Hilary B]

Start from the edges, and when you have cleared a 'firebreak', go for the oldest agricultural technique known, "slash and burn"
Well that is how I would tackle a problem that size. If there are a few 'wanted' plants in the depths, that one is out.......

[zazen999]

I'd better bring some cook's matches and a face mask; can we waft the smoke in the general direction of the pillock opposite?

[allotmentlady]

I'd better bring some cook's matches and a face mask; can we waft the smoke in the general direction of the pillock opposite?

Oh yessssssssssss

[Two_Sheds]

I'd help, but you are 7 hrs away from me by bus!

Weeds are easiest to pull when they are in flower ... they seem to have weaker roots then.
Best of luck.
Before and after photos, please.

[Incy]

Good luck AL,
I'm sure you can do it. At least you have the satisfaction of knowing it's all yours this time

[squashysu]

if you was closer i would be there in a flash! you will do it defo x

[janeyo]

Of course you can do it!

Have I missed something while away? Have you got a new lottie?

[Flummery]

I rather like it the way it is!!!

Have fun!!!!!!

Me too. It's Nature Reserve!