[Rich72]

I was chatting to a professional gardener the other day and I told him about my new severely overgrown lotty. He suggested using a product called Gallup to clear it. A quick google search shows as a glyphosate weed killer but is it the same as the commercial ones such as round up? I don't want to use it and render my plot completely barren!
So far I have used vinegar and soap to kill much of the foliage so I can get to ground and dig the weeds out

[ghost61]

Gallup is ok to use, it won't harm the earth.  I prefer to dig the weeds out, as someone who did use Gallup to clear couch grass cannot grow carrots etc as the dead roots have formed an impenetrable mat! 

[moose]

This is the info from the website:- Please note: Professional pesticide products must be applied in accordance with the Ministry Code for Plant Protection Products, more information can be found by going to the HSE website or by contacting us through Amazon to speak to one of our BASIS qualified advisers.

Upon purchasing this product you and/or the end users are responsible for ensuring that these products are used in line with industry Approved Codes of Practice. All operators must be trained and certificated in using and applying any Ministry Approved Professional Product (MAPP). Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Please be aware that by proceeding you are purchasing a professional pesticide product. You must ensure the end user of these products complies with the DEFRA/HSE Code for the Safe use of Pesticides.

[New shoot]

Gallup is indeed a weed killer for professional use only.  If you buy a concentrate of one of the glyphosate weed killers available to the retail market, there are usually 2 different dilution rates suggested.  1 is for general weeds, but the other is a more concentrated form for tougher weeds.

It is worth investing in a decent sprayer as this makes weed killer go a lot further.  It is not cheap to buy and point using more than you need 

[JoshP]

Gallup is just another brand of glyphosate, but used by professionals and farmers as opposed to amateur gardeners. There are 2 types, Gallup 360 and Gallup Hi-Aktiv, both containing differing amounts of glyphosate.

[New shoot]

Gallup is just another brand of glyphosate, but used by professionals and farmers as opposed to amateur gardeners. There are 2 types, Gallup 360 and Gallup Hi-Aktiv, both containing differing amounts of glyphosate.

We can't condone the use of products that are licenced for professional use only on the forum Josh 

I cleared a very overgrown plot using the concentrated glyphosate available to the retail market some years ago.  With a decent sprayer and the higher strength mix, plus some determination, you can clear even the most persistent of weeds.

[Aunt Sally]

I'm sure Josh wouldn't recommend professional only products to our forum of amateur gardeners... would you, Josh! 

[mower man]

At the moment you can buy and use glyphosate and mix it yourself, but
only if you are over 50 years old (Grandfathers rights )

come 26 November 2015 this will expire.

Everyone will then have to have a PA1 & PA2 certificate to use, buy and mix yourself

At a cost of around £400.00 for a two day course !!!!

[New shoot]

Just to be clear, grandfather rights apply to products licensed for professional use and you still need to be trained and competent in their use.  Link here for more information.

http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/guidance/industries/pesticides/topics/pesticide-approvals/legislation/Grandfather-rights-changes

The OP was asking for advice on clearing his overgrown plot, so a discussion about the rights or wrongs of the changes to grandfather rights is off topic and likely to lead to the thread being locked.

If we can stick to solutions using methods and products available to all amateur gardeners, everyone can benefit from any advice offered 

[JoshP]

Wasn't advising using Gallup, just providing the background information on it. If it's a professional product, then should only be used by professionals.

[Yorkie]

I think this thread has run its course now so I shall lock it.