Weed cover?

[ina]

Pfffffffft, it all seems so complicated.
Interesting link btw.

[ina]

[carrot-cruncher]

Gardnerj

Coming back to your original question I can only offer the advice of one who was in a similar position twelve months ago.

I want to be as organic as possible but accept a little give and take is needed.   When I took on my plot it was infested with thistles, docks, bindweed and couchgrass.   I bit the bullet and sprayed the entire plot with roundup.  

I then dumped lots of horse poo on the plot to a) smother any remaining weeds and b) improve the soil structure.   A week or so after applying the mulch I covered the plot in a combination of builder's membrane and carpet.   Yes, the surviving weeds underneath are still there and quite pale but I've found them much easier to clean out.

Personally I would rather smother with carpet/ plastic than overdose my plot with nasty chemicals.   The whole reason for me getting my plot is a).I don't have to buy the commercially-grown veg from the supermarket which has been doused in several types of chemicals & b) get legally mugged by the supermarket if I want to buy organically grown veg......also I don't need to cough up £30/month on gym fees.

CC