[Mythi]

I have an area at the rear of my plot which has been under black plastic since the beginning of the year.  My original intention was to lift the black plastic, weed thoroughly, dig in some well rotted manure and use for my pumpkin/squash patch.

Sadly, time constraints and having all my tools stolen means this hasn't happened.

I'm toying with the idea of removing the black plastic, making mounds of well rotted manure, covering with weed control fabric and then planting a pumpkin/squash into each manure mound through the weed control fabric.  Is this a viable option do you think?

(Will need to get it done this weekend, so opinions please)

Thanks

Mythi

[strangerachael]

Why not just plant through the plastic?

[Mythi]

Why not just plant through the plastic?

I thought about that, but then the plastic wont let water through, whereas the weed control fabric does.

[SG6]

By tools stolen I assume you mean fork, spade for digging.
Since fabric isn't cheap why not visit wilkinsons and buy one/two of their own brand items. Saw a nice small bladed spade there today.

May be best to take a little care but would get you back on the original track.

If not then wilkinsons also have the fabric in, not sure of the cost but probably one of the lower ones around.

[Mitsy]

Sorry to hear 

Asda had garden tools reduced and I got weedcontrol fabric from poundland 

[Mythi]

By tools stolen I assume you mean fork, spade for digging.
Since fabric isn't cheap why not visit wilkinsons and buy one/two of their own brand items. Saw a nice small bladed spade there today.

May be best to take a little care but would get you back on the original track.

If not then wilkinsons also have the fabric in, not sure of the cost but probably one of the lower ones around.

Yes SG6 thats what I meant by tools. My shed was burgled a few weeks ago and all my tools were taken (spade/fork/rake/hoe/trowel/etc). 

Cash is very tight at the moment so I will have to wait until my birthday (in a few weeks) for replacements.  The weed control fabric is some I already have (purchased from Wilkinsons last year and never used).

[joyfull]

I bought some weed fabric last year and never used it. Kept it in my utility over winter and when getting it out the other week found it chewed to bits by mice  Hope yours is in better condition than mine 

[peapod]

Your idea sounds like a decent plan to me Mythi

[Lady Lottie]

I've just come back from the plot and I have planted some pumpkins through black plastic - I intend to sink a cut in half pop bottle, top end down near to each to hellp with the watering issue.  I didn't pull the plastic up and do lots of weeding either, I followed some advice from another forum member, Painted Lady who knows lots about growing pumpkins and squashes - she very kindly sent me a (quite long) PM with lots of detailed instructions - I could pass it on to you if you would like.  Let me know.

[BrianK]

Dig a deep pit.  Insert sharp pointy sticks....  recover with plastic... then wait  for tool thieves to return

[Yorkie]

I do hope that wasn't at all a serious suggestion, Brian 

[BrianK]

I do hope that wasn't at all a serious suggestion, Brian 

Of course not. 

If I was serious I would have suggested poisining the stakes 

[Lady Lottie]

I do hope that wasn't at all a serious suggestion, Brian 

Of course not. 

If I was serious I would have suggested poisining the stakes 

    sorry......

[devondave]

try cutting holes in the plastic then cut the bottoms off some large pots and push them into the holes and plant into them