Where on earth do I start with this weed filled plot?

[toby6668]

Hi Folks. This is my newly acquired allotment plot. I seem to have docks, nettles, dandelions and thistles. It's a strictly organic only allotment. No chemicals allowed. My initial plan is to dig it over slowly removing the weeds as I go Any advice welcomed. Thanks in advance. Toby

[Pies]

cover the lot !!!!!!! in cardboard, plastic anything to keep the light out.This will stop the weeds growing and weaken them.You can then dig the ground and plant that area and then move to the next bit and so o till you have done it all

[rustylady]

^ ^ ^ Wot Pies said.

Seriously, at least you can see soil between the weeds, so it'll probably be fairly easy to dig them out. One tip, use a fork - not a spade.

See if you can cadge some big cardboard boxes from a retail park. Things like packing for bikes, fridges.

And get planting as soon as you've cleared a bit.

Courgettes and squash are good because the leaves spread and shade out weeds - you can raise seeds at home now in 3 - 4" pots.

You still just about have time to plant seed potatoes too.

[toby6668]

Thanks. I have a few big tarpaulins that will do the trick. Have started bastard trenching and pulling out the dandelion roots. I have a load of courgette plants going well indoors at home so I'll stick them in as soon as I can. Thanks for the advice. Toby

[polc1410]

Where's Two Sheds? She seems to be slacking in the "No Dig" posts...

[Pies]

Dont bother too much with clearing the weeds where you will plant your courgettes and squash this year. Just plant through the cardboard saves an alot of time which at the moment is against you .

[starloc]

Id just strim it with a brush cutter in the areas you want to plant, I brush cut the soil.... as well to churn it up.....then plant it, and keep removing weeds, they dont come back that quickly, the insects on the `weeds` are good for the other plants around

Make use of the weeds they grow easily and cost nothing!

Loads of so called weeds can be eaten and most are nice!....Nettles , dock leaves , thistles and dandilions can all be eaten , usually best with new leaves or some get bitter , nettles are very common herb in some countries (for example Bulgaria) people make soup from them , thistles you can eat the stalks after peeling them, dandilions and dock in salad

[out in the cold]

What starloc said about edible weeds, most of those can be uses for brewing a beer too...

I would go with cardboard, get spuds, peas and beans in too.

Look for no dig beds video on YouTube and get digging / planting.

Good luck with the plot

[toby6668]

Thanks everyone. I managed to double dig a couple of metres today, chucking in a bit of muck. Son came to 'help' and managed to break the head of my fork while digging up nettles. Will check out the YouTube no dig vids.

[rustylady]

Toby, I think you're making extra work for yourself. You really don't need to double dig, and muck is better spread on the top of the soil so the worms pull it in for you.

[toby6668]

Thanks Rustylady. I reckon you're right. I may go for at least a few of the no dig beds.....just to get me going quickly. Plenty of muck available and I can at least drive the trailer on to the plot so that helps a lot!

[zazen999]

Look at lazy beds for that plot, you tube will help.

[Two_Sheds]

Thanks. I have a few big tarpaulins that will do the trick.

they won't: i've tried loads of different coverings, and tarp is the least effective. Newspapers & card are good

[bojangles]

I agree with twoshed as I've tried it and only to lifted up to find loads of weeds growing strong!!

[Feral007]

Yep, chuck the cardboard down and plant thru it where you want to. If you feel you must dig or you don't feel like you're gardening then put carboard on all but one small section. That way you can have a great garden going while you dig away to your hearts content in the digging section. Really does save time and energy and the weeds are composted under the cardboard and the good in em goes back into the ground. Grab a water butt and chuck some nettles in to make nettle tea. Get some comfrey as well, makes great comfrey tea, and you could put some manure in some water for manure tea. All for the garden not the gardeners!