[RJR_38]

As above really! When I took on my plot it was a weed jungle with no grass at all. I have made some beds by simply edging them with scrap bits of wood/logs that were on the plot etc so that I had defined beds and paths. I had originally hoped to do my paths with bark chips etc but it will be expensive (unable to source free/cheap ones) and will need topping up each year and so I have decided to go for grass like all the other plots. I know it will need cutting but I think it will look better than the mud I currently have that the weeds are so tempted by!

My question is when will be the best time of year to seed the paths? I know I won't be able to walk on them for a while (how long?) and I have alternative ways to get round most of my plot which aren't ideal but will do for a while as long ask don't need to do any serious work in the beds. I was thinking autumn - what do others think?

[mumofstig]

I think that's best as well 

[Yorkie]

I've just seeded my lawn at home and it's a nightmare - needs watering daily and you can't walk on it.

I agree with leaving it until September or so.

[RJR_38]

Perfect! I mentioned this to my fiancé (non gardening type) who said that it would be too late as nothing grows in autumn/winter and it made me think twice.

[devonbarmygardener]

I have grass paths (most of us do at the higher end of our site) and I seriously wish I didn't!!

They are hell to look after and then you have people (like my plot neighbour) who have foot-high grass surround the edge of her plot!

Have you asked your local council about wood chips? Ours does regular give aways when they have a massive pile, and in February, the council were triming the trees around our sit and up the lane and I appeared while they were there and asked them to leave the chippings in a pile in our carpark - which they were pleased to do.

If your site is council run, you could ask your allotment officer about it

[RJR_38]

Hi,

Yes I have asked and our council charge £100 per trailer load and I worked out I would need 2-3 loads to cover my paths. I think they put people off because they want to use it on their massive recycling/compost site which they make compost from and sell. I have also tried ringing local tree surgeons - all of whom charge (slightly cheaper but still pricey) so unfortunately wood chips is definitely a no go for me

[Willow_Warren]

I had a 3 hour lecture on grass as uni, the only thing I remember from it is that grass grows most in sprind and autumn 

What the rest of the 2 hours and 59 minutes was filled with I can't remember!

Hannah

[devonbarmygardener]

Hi,

Yes I have asked and our council charge £100 per trailer load and I worked out I would need 2-3 loads to cover my paths. I think they put people off because they want to use it on their massive recycling/compost site which they make compost from and sell. I have also tried ringing local tree surgeons - all of whom charge (slightly cheaper but still pricey) so unfortunately wood chips is definitely a no go for me

  Oh my goddess!
We don't know how lucky we are down here sometimes!

[Sue33]

Think March and September are supposed to be the best times for sowing grass seed, I'll be doing the same thing come September 

[fatcat1955]

September is deffo the best time. The soil is still warm and hopefully the sun will still be about.  Remember, Autumn is nature's planting time.

[RJR_38]

Hi,

Yes I have asked and our council charge £100 per trailer load and I worked out I would need 2-3 loads to cover my paths. I think they put people off because they want to use it on their massive recycling/compost site which they make compost from and sell. I have also tried ringing local tree surgeons - all of whom charge (slightly cheaper but still pricey) so unfortunately wood chips is definitely a no go for me

  Oh my goddess!
We don't know how lucky we are down here sometimes!

I know - I get very jealous when I see popes talking about free woodchips on here!

September it will be then - thanks guys!