Which tools for a newbie?

[lewic]

I've just been given a rather overgrown half-plot allotment (get the keys next week) and need some advice on how to clear it, what tools etc.

It is on a slope, and was apparantly used regularly up to a year ago, but has been left to go wild since. In the main part there is thick long grass and waist high weeds (not sure what they all are, but I recognise thistles and ragwort!), and the shed is half-buried in bindweed. There are also brambles around the back and side of the shed, and an overgrown (but rather lovely) willlow tree which hangs in front of the shed. Apparantly there are well-used paths and even a pond amongst the weeds, but they are completely hidden.

I'm a complete newbie, and not very fit. From reading misc websites I hear the best plan is to hack down the weeds, wait for them to sprout again, then nuke them with weedkiller. Then put black plastic down until spring, when it can be dug over.

The guy from the council recommended hiring a brush cutter, but I can barely lift these things and it looks like they could take off your toes (or face, if you lose your grip!) in a flash. I'm wondering if there are any alternative non-power tools? I have been looking at Azadas and long handled Scythes, but not sure if these would do the job, or which type to go for. Perhaps I would need both?

Also, where is the best place to buy the plastic sheeting? I dont need a huge amount.

Have some photos but havent worked out how to upload them here!

[lewic]

[lewic]

A bit of a guess.. but have now ordered a small pointed Azada, a heavy duty scythe, and a medium 7" Azada.

Will report back.....

[tartonterro]

ive got a similar sounding site, i used a bill hook, bit like a scyth - but the blade is straight, a small hand scythe and ive got a heavy duty azada.. cleared the patch know problem with clearing with thei bill hook, azada cleared the ground brillently - scimmed of top layer of any left over weeds etc. now got a cheap cordless strimmer that i use to keep on top of the grass and weeds.
one think i will say is clear on bit at a time - dont try to do it all at once, clear all the long stuff down, cover up what you cant clear just now with either heavy weed supresant fabric or black plastic and clear the bit your gona plant in just now.  dont worry that you dont use the full plot in one year - build up and it will be a lot more fun and you will be less likely to be put off.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Put lots of black plastic down, and if you're leaving it till spring you won't need any cutting down or weedkillering. Not much will survive, and the worms will eat all thje topgrowth for you long before then. Get a spade and fork, and dig a small section. Get the weeds out thoroughly, and plant it.

[littlebabybird]

hi lewic
welcome to the site
lbb

ps i love my azada

[pigeonseed]

It's basic but I found a fork was really useful when I was taming my allotment. They can get into the soil when it's tightly compacted and full of tough weed roots, and a spade would just bounce off.

Once the roots are out and the soil is loosened, you can use the spade.

My allotment was covered in couch grass and 8 foot high brambles. I cleared the plot with secateurs and a fork and spade. And thick gloves!!! And those are all constantly useful afterwards of course.

Mind you maybe my way wasnt very easy compared to buying specialist tools! But it's good to know you dont need loads of expensive stuff if you don't want.

[pigeonseed]

I didnt even know what an azada was - just looked it up. Looks like a weird axe. sounds useful - maybe I should have got one!

[lewic]

Hi folks, thanks for all your advice! I'm itching to get the keys and make a start on it.

Have a vision of rows of fat veggies and damsons and gooseberry bushes in the main plot, and a little garden around the shed under the shade of the willow tree with potted herbs, home-made garden furniture and a row of demijohns on the brew.. Hope it isnt too rude an awakening!!

[kt.]

Hello & welcome.

A Mattock.  It is excellent for loosening and breaking up the soil prior to turning, with less than half the effort.  I recommend this to be near the top of your list

[lewic]

Going to try again to upload some photos..... ???

[lewic]

Arghh.  ??? ??? ???

[lewic]

 >:(

I'll try to post a link instead.. http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/58644899

[glosterwomble]

That looks great!  Real potential there I reckon!! Is the greenhouse yours too? Forgive me for saying but I don't think it looks too overgrown, I reckon once you start digging you will find tat the soil is good soil and the weeds will be easy to pull out. Keep us informed!

[Barnowl]

Good luck. It looks a very nice site. The willow adds a very calming rural look.

Watch out for the bindweed growing near the shed front. It's one of those weeds where you need to dig down and get the whole root out - any bit left behind will sprout anew.

[tonybloke]

and a free flamethrower? It won't take long to clear using that!! ;D

[Flunky]

Hoe and rake would be a good idea a long with line to keep things straight.

Best of luck.

[lewic]

Is the greenhouse yours too?

Fraid not! I've got a half-plot, and the greenhouse is on the bit that isnt mine. But it gives an idea of the height of most of the weeds.

The shed area is a lot more overgrown, but was definitely the nicest end of the plot!

[Sparkly]

It doesn't look like you have too much bindweed, except around the shed. I would check around for brambles and get those roots out with a mattock. I would then spray the lot with glyphosphate and cover up until September. You can then uncover and dig over a bed at a time. The shed you have looks ace and the weeds don't seem too bad! Best of luck!

[Tee Gee]

Ask yourself do you want to plant out this year or next.

If this year! then mow down the weeds in a strip 5ft wide by the width of the plot and just steadily dig away with either a fork or spade (I'm a spade man myself)

In this way you could have a bed ready for Japanese onions & garlic ready quite quickly.

Cover the remainder for the time being with black plastic (that can be obtained from builders merchants)

By the time you get around to finishing the first strip(bed) the weeds will be dying back on the rest so uncover further strips one by one and dig as before.

Otherwise just cover the lot with plastic and wait until spring.

Personally I would go for a strip at a time starting now! Who knows what the weather will be next spring when you are faced with digging the whole plot.

Regarding tools;

Buy the best spade you can afford, stainless steel forged out of one piece of steel (no rivets) is recommended!

My first spade lasted me over twenty years, my daughter uses it now because it is worn down to the size of a border spade now, and is just the right size for her small garden.

The other tools that you will need (although not too important at this time),would be a hoe and rake.

Then gradually build up your tool kit as required always buying the best you can afford as this will pay in the long term.

My fork rake and hoe are over forty years old.

Finally best of luck with your growing and welcome to A4A

[SMP1704]

Hi Lewic and welcome ;D

I love that shed!  I'm with Glosterwomble on the state of the plot - it looks scary because all the weeds are in full growth.

If you don't mind spraying - only do it if you can be sure your neighbour's crops won' be affected - the growth will be dead in a few weeks, then use a rake to pull off all the dead growth and then you can see the soil.

Then follow TG's suggestion of slowly digging, strip by strip.  After 18 months with a fork I converted to a full size spade - the advantage is that the weeds roots don't slip back into the soil through the tines.

Take your time, and either plant up the bits you cultivate or sow a green manure.  Depending on how much time you have to dedicate you could have the whole area dug over by the start of the 09 growing season.

So which tools - I would recommend a full size spade, rake and hoe to start off and then hand trowel for planting, onion hoe for close quarters weeding, a couple of watering cans, secatuers and that should be enough but if you are like me, you won't be able to get into the shed after 3 years ;D ;D ;D