PMM
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Avoiding using weedkiller...
Nov 26, 2009, 14:46
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We recently got an allotment. It needs a bit of work, and the top end of the plot is overgrown with grass and weeds.
We were given some glyphosate and believed that it broke down quickly and was of relatively low toxicity to wildlife etc. But looking online, we find that there are environmental issues associated with the stuff, and would prefer to find another way.
Does anyone know of the best way to proceed here?
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dodge one
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Re: Avoiding using weedkiller...
Nov 26, 2009, 15:00
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A Hoe and a pair of gloves.
http://gardeningequipment.info/images/garden+tools.jpg
And on your hands and knees regularly, with these.
http://sarahmeyerwalsh.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/garden-hand-tools-00.jpg
Some use rolls of plastic liner over the top of the soil, but thats not for me.
Seaweed gathered at the shore line makes an excellent organic compost to turn into the soil.{and costs nothing} Rinse it off first with fresh H2o to remove the majority of salt.
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Penske666
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Re: Avoiding using weedkiller...
Nov 26, 2009, 17:03
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Salt (Sodium Chloride) - it kills anything for about six months before dispesing into the ground, should if I remember rightly be environmentally friendly too
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Squid Tempest
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Re: Avoiding using weedkiller...
Nov 26, 2009, 17:15
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I'd be a bit wary of that. Are you sure it would disperse? I have to say I think Dodge's suggestion is probably the best, if rather labour intensive!
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Penske666
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Re: Avoiding using weedkiller...
Nov 26, 2009, 17:51
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http://www.sweepfast.com/ecoweedsalt.htm
Looks safe enough if it splits the compounds down :)
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PMM
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Edited Nov 29, 2009, 00:27
Re: Avoiding using weedkiller...
Nov 28, 2009, 20:31
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Nice one guys.
A half-remembered George Monbiot piece came up with the goods, so we've gone for the big cover-up, using a great big sheet of black plastic. Made holes in it, because it does need to let some air through, or the soil underneath goes all horrible apparently, and put a load of heavy stuff down on top of it to stop the wind blowing it away.
Now we just have to leave it there for a year. Piece of cake, this gardening lark :)
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ratcni01
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Re: Avoiding using weedkiller...
Nov 29, 2009, 12:15
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That's what they recommended to someone on GQT (Gardeners Question Time on Radio 4) a while back Paul, and does look like an easy option for a year!!
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handofdave
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Re: Avoiding using weedkiller...
Nov 29, 2009, 22:55
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Aren't we the neat freak humans, always looking to hold back chaos and make our surroundings orderly and to our specifications?
Just pontificating... I can't help but do it, myself.
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Eduardo
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Re: Avoiding using weedkiller...
Nov 30, 2009, 12:13
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Dig out the worst of them and get on with cultivating stuff. Just pull out new weeds as they poke through. Getting the place productive is the best thing to do. Avoid empty plots & clear ground at all costs, even if you get them weed-free they will not stay like that for long - couple of weeks & the weeds are back. Plant anything rather than nothing.
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