[lucia]

Hello

We are really excited at getting our allotment. However, it looks like it has not been touched for about 20 years! It's overgrown, covered with rubbish etc, and the ground is very uneven. We can clear the rubbish, but am not sure how to go about clearing whats grown. We have a garden strimmer but its just not up for the job. Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks
Lucia

[tode]

Normally I'd suggest cleaning up, mowing, then Roundup on the new growth, but at this time of year, probably best to treat with RU straight away, so it gets taken down into the roots.
For it to work, though, the weather must be reasonably warm and sunny, to allow growth.

[StephenRowley]

Where I volunteer we use a petrol strimmer with a bush cutter attachment, You could properly rent one if you don't want to buy. I find a mattock is particularity effective for removing root systems. You could also try controlled burning but that can be a bit iffy.

[tode]

The method of attack depends a bit on what sort of weeds you've got, ie grasses and annuals, or nasties like couch, ground-elder and bindweed.  I'm all for hitting em hard the first time 

[Gwiz]

I've moved this topic to here, as I'm sure there will be more replies