Waterlogged allotment

[goonergardeninggirl]

We have just taken on a new allotment.

I have just been there to try and do a little weeding, and with all this rain we have had in the South East it is mostly waterlogged, whereas most of the other allotments near ours are not.

May we have some advice please.

[VirginVegGrower]

We have just taken on a new allotment.

I have just been there to try and do a little weeding, and with all this rain we have had in the South East it is mostly waterlogged, whereas most of the other allotments near ours are not.

May we have some advice please.

You could tarp some of it off as it will kill off some weeds too. Uncover it and weed, then retarp to keep the wet off and weed free. Try standing on a long board so as to distribute your weight more evenly. Or wait a while until it dries out more. Ours is wet too but is free draining so dries out fairly quickly if the weather allows.

[Nicos]

Hi there- and welcome to the Vine!

Our first lottie was like that...you just need to start off later than the others.
Don't walk on waterlogged soil- it just compresses it more- and it's even more difficult to dig/weed etc later.
Basic rule of thumb is that if the soil sticks to the spade/your wellies- then it's too wet- just leave it for another week or so.

You'll be smirking later on in the year if there's a drought!

[Pies]

the other plots have been worked thereby opening up the soil.Im guessing yours is covered in weeds and hasnt been dug for a while so i guess the grounds compacted.

Short term avoid walking over the plot you will make things worse, cover with a tarp and walk on boards.
long term if they are still waterlogged try raised beds

[Kristen]

If there is any slope you could dig some narrow trenches with a spade, downhill, which will help it drain more quickly - and then you will be able to get on it to weed sooner