[NUMBER27]

I have an allotment but due to health problems over the last 12 months have been unable to work on the allotment. Hence it is now very overgrown and in desperate need of some T.L.C. I have managed to cut most of the weeds back over the last week but feel I will need to resort to stronger tactics to get rid of roots etc. Can anyone recommend a weed killer that will tackle the job but leave the soil able to be planted in autumn? thank you.

[arugula]

Glyphosate is the weedkiller which will kill most weeds, either diluted and sprayed or applied directly to stems of tough weeds. You can buy it as Round Up or other brand names or more cheaply in generic form.

You can read more about it in this article of John's:

http://www.allotment-garden.org/grow-your-own/weeds-and-what-to-do

[SG6]

Glyphosphate is the obvious one. Supposed to break down on contact with the soil, how true that is I have no idea, but it seems more or less correct.

You may find it best to give a good spray now, wait for it to have it's effect - about 10-14 days. Then dig over the ground or at least remove anything you can, wait a week and respray. There will be dormant seeds there that will appear after the first application, so you get those on the second go.

Cost wise I think that Wilkinsons do their own in a yelow container for the area covered and the cost that seems to be about the most cost effective. Does of course depend if there is a Wilkinsons close to you.

[Yorkie]

If you've strimmed completely and there are no leaves left, wait a week or two for leaves to start re-growing because otherwise the plant can't absorb the weedkiller.

Agree with the others that glyphosate is the active ingredient you want.

[Goldfinger]

Sodium Hypochlorite 10%.  :blink:

But that's another story.....

[Yorkie]

I assume that's not legal for amateurs to use Goldfinger.  You know the rules ...

[Goldfinger]

Not me this time. 

Just shocked at what someone had used once. 

[Amilo]

Sodium Hypochlorite


If it is illegal, there are a lot of people selling it!!!?

[arugula]

Sodium Hypochlorite


If it is illegal, there are a lot of people selling it!!!?

It was banned for sale from last year if not the year before..

[Yorkie]

Sodium chlorate was banned for use from May 2010.

Sodium hypochlorite is the proper chemical name for bleach and is not licensed for use as a weedkiller - therefore also illegal to be used as such.

[arugula]

Thanks for the clarification Yorkie.

 

[Goosegirl]

I echo waiting for new leaves to appear and blast them with glyphosate. The alternative is to strim right down to the ground and cover with some sort of sheeting. This will weaken the toughies but anual weeds should succumb, and will give you some time if you aren't able to do things because of illness.

[fatcat1955]

Make sure there is a 24 hour rain free period before applying.

[BabbyAnn]

Make sure there is a 24 hour rain free period before applying.

and at least 6 hours after  (preferably sunny so that the weedkiller can be working while it is drying)

[davelambo]

Sodium hypochlorite is  great for killing moss on paths and other hard surfaces.
Farm supply shops sell it to dairy farmers to sterilise the dairy after milking.
Just spray on and within minutes it turns white and dies.
great stuff and much cheaper (£12 for 20l) than moss killer.