[Zambezi]

I have finally got my allotment and it just so happens that my mum and dad have managed to get one next to my plot also

Unfortunately the plots have been neglected some what and need a lot of hard work, although we dont mind so much as there is 3 of us.  We are thinking of lifting the grass which has grown there, pulling out as much of the weed and brambles (weeds and all), and then using a rotivator.  Normally we would take our time, but as sowing season is fast approaching we dont want to miss out on planting the veg. 

Does anybody know any other ways that could help us clear this quickly as I dont really want to resort to spreading weed killer and I know using a rotivator can sometimes spread the weed, but because the ground is so hard cos it hasnt been used in so long, this seems like are only option.  Help!!

Also if anyone is interested in some bargain gardening equipment etc, LIDL is selling cloches and cold frames and other tools if that helps, as I know we are on a budget until we get it set up completely.

Thanks

[GreenOwl]

Congratulations.

Remember you don't have to clear the lot to start planting.  Enough for each crop as you go along will do.  You could use cardboard or weed-suppressant fabric on the areas you haven't got too yet (well if you clear the surface weeds first).

[Tigerhair]

Hi, me too - started 3 weeks ago!  You could cover parts with weed sup fabric and plant through/plant in pots/bags whilst you clear the plot slowly - but don't forget there isn't much you'd put out until the end of May anyway, so you've got a few weeks. I've been up there all day and I am exhausted!!!!!!!!!!!

[Christine]

It's reasonably early in the season so clear a bed properly and plant it, clear another and plant it and then another and plant it.

Better to do things properly this year and grow something than to do nothing well and grow nothing properly.

Someone said to me when I started, you'll grow a little in the first season, more in the second, more in the third and by the time you get to year five you will have the plot producing fully.

That's a very good attitude to take and if, like me, you get to year three and have a full plot well that's bunce.

Unfortunately patience, like experience, is learned slowly.

[Mr Rotavator]

Hello,

I was in the same position as you last May and will echo the previous posts above. I got the brambles out first and strimmed the grass, covering what I wasn't working on. Clearing bed by bed and planting as I went along and am still clearing couch grass now from the final area now, but I am almost there now after a lot of hard work. Make sure the ground is damp as this makes digging easier, but as my name may suggest I will never rotavate as I don't want to break up and spread the couch.

I am also working on budget and have found carboot sales a good source for bits and bobs, along with finding stuff in skips (asking before taking).

Good luck and happy digging,

Andy.

[Runwell-Steve]

Just to echo what everyone else has said, don't try and do it all at once.
I am just starting my 3rd year on my plot and it is the first year that I am able to sit back happy that the whole plot is ready for planting.

Cover up what you don't plan on using and concentrate on clearing small areas at a time.