[deniseb]

hi
I am new to this forum and could anyone advice me  I have acquired an allotment
and I am surrounded by pigeon fanciers so I cannot use chemicals and I have put a liner down to suppress some of the weeds, I want to know on average how long will it take to have a weed free and beautiful allotment I can only go at weekends and the allotments  look great once cultivated. p.s no power tools is a scythe any good?

[Yorkie]

Welcome denise 

There isn't an easy answer to your question I'm afraid.  It depends on how much time at weekends you have to clear, how big your plot is, how many weeds there are to dig out, etc.  Some people manage it in a couple of months, others take a season or more.

Also bear in mind that weeds will probably reoccur for a year or two whilst they work their way to the surface.

You've certainly done the right thing by covering up the areas you're not using, otherwise the weeds will just get on top of you.  A scythe is said by many to help keep on top of the weeds, if you can use it effectively.

Basically, try to do a little and often, and aim to get something planted so you have something to look forward to as well as the hard work.

You'll get there 

[bluealf]

Also i would invest in some netting for anything you grow so the blasted pigeons dont eat it all 

[SG6]

Split the plot into 4 parts and attack one section at a time.
That way you will see some advancement and you may be able to get something into the section that has been completed.

If the weeds start getting on top of you during the week then you could get weed suppressant fabric and plant through that. Wilkinsons sell some that will probably do.

That makes me think that an alternative to split it into quarters:
Buy the fabric. 
Lay one width across the plot and mark off one width. 
Then dig that bit over and remove whatever comes to hand. 
Lay the fabric back and plant through it. 
Then repeat.

Would allow you to do it in small sections, easily covered, and if it works you could plant sprouts or whatever else is available for winter cropping.

[Salmo]

 Is your no chemicals policy your idea or, have you been warned off by the pigeon keepers? When the pigeons eat your peas I would like to bet they will not keep their birds shut in their shed.
The chemicals that you would use to kill the weeds, probably Roundup, will not harm the pigeons.