Bin Bags

[RoadCar]

Hi all

Quick question, can I put Black bin bags on my allotment to stop the light going to the soil will it stop the weeds growing?.

Thanks

Daniel

[zazen999]

You can but it is better to use cardboard. Bin bags rip quite easily and covering soil in plastic really isn't good for the soil.

[rustylady]

Agree with Zazen. Also if you use bin bags you will need to anchor them top stop them blowing around.

[Jeanied]

And the bin bags will break down due to UV radiation and end up in little shreds of plastic that you can't round up again.

[Two_Sheds]

Sheets of thick black plastic is one thing, but bin bags are totally unsuitable: far too flimsy.

I still prefer to use wet newspaper or cardboard as a mulch (topped with compost/weeds, or else held down with stones or bags of autumn leaves)

[lbt]

Winter cover for the allotment

Hi

I am seven months into my new allotment, so I am still in the process of clearing some of it, and reorganising. It's mostly clear, I just need to dig it over properly and add some manure. I have some plants due to arrive around November time and I am just about to put my onions in but I will have some bare ground until spring.

I am going to cover over the parts of the allotment that would otherwise be bare through the winter, to protect it and suppress weeds (hopefully!)

I just wondered what most people find most effective as a cover? I was thinking about using thick black plastic sheeting or black weed control fabric. I might use some green manure next year, but I don't want to this year because I have so much to do.

What other materials do you all use, and which has been most effective?

Thanks

[Pies]

Cover with weighed down cardboard,it allows water through, it keeps weeds down and the soil will be in good condition come spring and the cardboard can then go on the compost heap

[zazen999]

I've merged your thread as we had the exact same question asked [well, nearly] earlier today....in fact they were next to each other on the board.

[binley100]

Will you lot stop taking my name in vain .....................

Got all excited thought I had a thread dedicated to little ol' me .........