allotment clearing

Weedkillers are expensive and have disappointing results.

Weedkillers will only work effectively if you follow the instructions they print on the box. The key with Roundup and similar is to get plenty of fresh leaf area for the weeds to absorb it so that it can kill the roots. This may mean cutting off the tall stuff and waiting 4-6 weeks for new growth. At some times of year this won't be possible and so digging will be the quickest way, but hard work on the back.

Some people just want immediate clearance without any hard work.  I prefer the hardwork, being a fat beggar I need it  

I wouldn't touch glysophates in any quantity for all the tea in china, or toms in my greenhouse

Quote from: Armleywhite on August 10, 2013, 18:15

Some people just want immediate clearance without any hard work.  I prefer the hardwork, being a fat beggar I need it  

I wouldn't touch glysophates in any quantity for all the tea in china, or toms in my greenhouse

I like the hardwork too. I have almost finished clearing the Jungle I took on in November (got pics in my diary). I did it single handed without chemicals of any description. I found if oddly satisfying...

Great innit?  I was given a half plot earlier this year and it looked like someone had been cultivating weeds at an alarming rate.  To help with time I covered the area in weed control fabric and left it for several weeks.  As I uncovered it the vast majority of weeds were gone and the rest dug out easily.  Not a single drop of horrid poison used   Planted a few fruit trees in the area and getting a portion of it ready for the strawberries for next year. 
With the weeds unable to be composted I dig out n bag them and take them to the council composter.  rest of them goes in the compost on my lotty.  I think that sometimes people get far too impatient and end up putting themselves at risk.

Sadly I couldn't cover in membrane as the majority of it was chest high nettles and brambles with a floor covering of ivy! Haha. Still, the soil seems good and relatively fertile so it has been worth it. Only a 3m by 3m section left to clear now!

To be fair, I did use a strimmer / brush cutter to get it down to a mangeable length before covering.  Thats as much as was used for ease. 

I use glyphosate when needed about once a year.

Each to his/her own.

Quote from: Yorkie on August 10, 2013, 20:15

I use glyphosate when needed about once a year.

Each to his/her own.

If only you knew

Each to their own Armleywhite.  I'm sure you probably do lots of things I disagree with too.