SIX WEEKS IN: The raised beds are now clearly visible
On taking on the allotment I was advised that an application of Glyphosphate ('Round Up') would be the least environmentally damaging way of getting rid of the weeds and overgrown plants that had swamped the plot. I think if was retired and had the time I'd have been tempted to get stuck in with a spade, but as the Glyphosphate residues don't stay in the ground too long I think the compromise was justified.
I wouldn't use it during the growing season, but I'll not be planting anything over the winter to allow time for any residues to dissipate completely from the soil. Then it'll be all systems go!
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| Neat and tidy, for the moment at least! |
The allotments have been plagued by break-ins and vandalism over the last few years apparently, and my plot wasn't spared during the most recent incident. I was lucky, however, as although the shed was entered and the items were knocked off the shelves, no real damage was done. I'm wondering if my policy of not locking the shed actually paid off because at least the door wasn't damaged. I wonder if having a padlock attracts interest from thieves, and might even wind them.
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| Just an experiment really |
I had some black plastic sheeting left in the shed by the previous plot-holder and decided I might as well cover the ground with it as another way of suppressing any remaining weeds.
Speaking of weeds, here's what I uprooted and raked up during the first few visits to the allotment...
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Obviously I won't be burning the weeds!
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