[missmoneypenny]

When we got the plot, Mr Moneypenny covered 1/5 of it in lawn, then promptly lost interest. 12 years on I want to reclaim some of it for veg growing. About 8 weeks ago I covered a patch of grass in cardboard and black fabric. Peering underneath, the grass is now looking encouragingly  yellow and sparse. If I dig in this week, would it be ok to plant cabbages there say in late May? Thanks for any opinions.

[Subversive_plot]

I think if it is merely yellow, you would be surprised at how quickly it will become green again if uncovered.  Most likely, just a few days.

IMO, if you are planning to plant in late May, I would leave the area covered until just before that planting time, till in, then plant.  By then, hopefully the remaining grass will be definitively brown and hopefully completely dead.  Other members more local to you might have a different perspective.

[steven c]

depending on area size perhaps you could remove membrane then spread compost and or manure over cardboard then plant in this a bit like a new no dig bed  [charles dowding] we have just done this on part of our lawn next to original raised beds now planted up with peas yesterday.  good luck.

[snowdrops]

I’d save yourself some work & just make sure your cardboard is overlapped well & plant your brassicas through it & if you don’t mind making holes in the membrane cut holes through & plant through that too, by next year it will be lovely, but a layer of well rotted mulch on top of you cardboard will improve it all no end, you’ll then only have the holes through the membrane to keep a check on for grass weeds etc.

[missmoneypenny]

Thanks everyone I hadn’t t seen your replies , I was at the allotment this morning and have turned half of the soil over ( burying the grass plants upside down as I went) , then re- covered with card and black membrane. My back prevented me from doing the lot in one go, I should have it finished by Monday.
I like the idea of adding compost on top though and will aim to do that before the cabbages go in in May.