I'm a newbie allotment renter HELP ME...

[figleaves]

Hii have got my new allotment to day, really pleased, but where do i start????
It has weeds all over it,so if i start on one half, digging it over and get the weeds up , do i need to cover the other half up with black heavy gauge plastic to stop any more weed growth? Please help as i want to look like i know what i am doing....

[Highlander]

Hi and welcome. There are loads of good books giving advice about how to start. It depends on whether you want to use chemicals or try without.
Chemical free is great but it can take a time to get things weed free and the only way to do it is to dig them out. Covering will weaken them and may kill them off but I have tried it without too much success. Also who wants a plot covered for the year.
I would suggest that you decide how you are going to plant - old fashioned rows or beds. Then work on one area until you have it reasonably clear of weeds like dock, couch, dandeliones and mares tail. I have always put potatoes in to clear beds as you have to dig to put them in, the foliage prevents weeds and you dig to get them harvested so the bed gets cleaned twice and you get a harvest.
Finally - don't do too much in one go, pace yourself and enjoy. You could even be the one how gets a good result this year and everyone will look to you for advice.

[Jeanied]

Welcome to the vine Figleaves.

Whereabouts are you allotmenteering? Depending on weather conditions, it may still be too wet to start trying to work the soil.

Your treatment may depend on the kind of weeds - not all weeds are cured by the covering technique. However it won't do any harm to put down some cardboard and cover with black plastic for the bit you don't want to work just yet. Psychologically it helps to have one part dealt with!

[leonmc0708]

Personal advice - cut the weeds down to ground level with a strimmer or the like and cover the lot with black membrane that lets water in but no light.

Remove smaller areas as and when you have time and work on those as and when - leaving the rest covered. by the time you work your way round to the last bit the weeds will be weak and easy to eradicate.

Get some "easy" wins in like broad beans and maybe some radish which are on their way fast. cover with some cloches for a boost/to escape late frosts.

As ever on the forum - add your location so people can give you some better advice depending on your region.

[Bill HH]

If you want to make an impression then use the cardboard or plastic neatly, there is nothing worse than sheets of stuff flapping around. When you dig do it slowly and hand pick the weeds out getting as much root as you can. There are to types of weeds, Annuals that grow from last years seeds, these are easily delt with by hoeing, once choped up they die. And perennials, these have deeper roots and will grow again from the roots if you dont dig them out. Try to make weeding a routine, it is amazing how much hoeing you can do in a short time if you do it regularly. Dont forget the comfy chair. Post some pics of your progress.

[Fleurisa]

This guy is an expert on no dig gardening, have a look at his website www.charlesdowding.co.uk | No dig gardening

[FrenchFry]

Hi! I know the feeling...I'm a new allotment renter too and its so much to take in!! I am 25 and all the people on my allotment site are so much older & wiser than me, I don't want to seem stupid!! I hope you found all the help you need!!