New allotment

Hi
Just found out that I have got my first allotment. Went down there this morning and was a little surprised at the amount of work i will have to do to get it into shape. Does anyone know what weeds i have

THANKS

You have a lovely crop of self seeding docks (as we speak!)  Get them out sharpish!
As for the rest, it looks like grasses judging by the seed heads.

Hand pull them out as much as you can ( I wouldnt recommend strimming as it will spread the seeds, but hey, needs must at times so if you have to.....). Give it a dig in patches (take your time its not a race), and cover the rest as you go.  It'll soon be looking shipshape, but dont overdo it and get fed up.

If its any help, mine was worse, and three years later its spot on, with a crop of something every year, so its well worth the effort

Good luck! It's hard work to start but once it's cleared worst is behind you!

Good luck Richard, it will be hard work but very much worth it.
We only took ours on last year and had to start from scratch but it's really satisfying.
 

I spy couch grass ('twitch') amongst the docks.  Dig out as much of the long white roots as you can, but it will keep coming back.

Hit it hard and often and you will beat it in the end.

Gillie

Mine started off like this.  I would hand weed all the seeding plants now to help prevent further damage then strim off down to about a foot. Then spray with roundup or similar which will kill the weeds and roots of anything green but will not (they claim) contaminate the soil.  You will need to wait up to 3 weeks for all the roots and tops to die and may want to re-treat any areas still green. I would then pull/dig out any thick dead tops and clear as much as possible.  Personally I would then get hold of a rotovator and go over the whole plot.  You will then have a plot that you can plant in within the month;  doubtless many will disagree and say that you should do it all by hand and hard graft - your call! 
You will still get lots a weeds coming up over the next couple of years or  so from seeds already in the ground but it will be controlable if you keep on top of it and you will be able to grow lovely grub at the same time!