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Digging in the rain

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  • #1

    Digging in the rain

    First of all please don't shout at me for suggesting such an awful idea!

    My problem is as follows-

    It hardly stops raining for longer than an hour. And this hour is usually in the evening when I have housewifey things to do.

    I have a new plot that is covered in weeds and grass so you can hardly see the ground beneath it

    The weeds don't stop growing because I'm not digging (in fact they seem to grow at the speed of light in this weather) which means when I do get a chance to go in the dry I spend half the time trimming not digging

    In my excitement of having so much space to grow I sowed more seeds to transplant when they were bigger. This being on the assumption it was the end of May and we should get some sun 😕

    So my question is...
    ...is it really so bad to dig in the rain? I'm not talking getting the soil to a fine tilth in torrential down pours, I'm not crazy. I'm talking turning the top layer of ground over and getting the weeds and roots out so if we ever get a sunny day I can do something a little more productive and enjoyable than weeding

    Thanks all



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  • #2
    What sort of weeds are we talking about? ou may not need to dig them out - some are quite easy to pull out, specially if the soil is damp (or wet)

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    • #3
      Its ok if the soil is not to sticky and you dont mind getting wet!

      When I took mine on I had similar issues, strimmed the whole plot, the using a hoe scraped the weeds down to soil level. In fact this was easier just after rain. I then covered the whole plot in corrigated cardboard. Then I dug manageable sized areas in which to plant. Remember you can plant through the cardboard

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      • #4
        Like Rusty says, some weeds pull out really easily when the soil is wet - I usually pull weeds then as its less effort than digging them out.
        Use a fork to remove the deep roots, its easier to use in the mud. Wet soil is heavy to dig with a spade - save your energy where you can.

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        • #5
          If you can avoid walking on the soil when wet by using a log handled hoe then that would be the preferred method,if not then if possible lay a scaffold board (or similar) to walk on/work from as that will help reduce soil compaction
          Last edited by bearded bloke; 07-06-2014, 06:05 PM.
          He who smiles in the face of adversity,has already decided who to blame

          Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

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          • #6
            It's mainly grass and docks

            I usually dig with a fork rather than a spade anyway as I find it easier. Not sure why probably just me being an odd-ball!

            I know I'll have to dig crazy deep to get all of a dock root but I figure if I cut it off as far as I can reach while digging then keep on top of pulling it will hopefully weaken the plant?




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            • #7
              Digging in the rain?...........Isn't that a song Mumbles?...........
              sigpic“Gorillas are very intelligent, but they don't have to be as delicate as chimps -- they can just smash open the termite nest,”
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              Official Member Of The Nutters Club - Rwanda Branch.
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              Sent from my ZX Spectrum with no predictive text..........
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              KOYS - King Of Yellow Stickers..............

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              • #8
                Originally posted by Bigmallly View Post
                Digging in the rain?...........Isn't that a song Mumbles?...........
                I'll probably end up doing both, the other plot holders will have me down as a loony in no time!


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                • #9
                  Originally posted by Mumbles View Post
                  I know I'll have to dig crazy deep to get all of a dock root but I figure if I cut it off as far as I can reach while digging then keep on top of pulling it will hopefully weaken the plant?
                  If you get a good hold of the root you can often pull it all out intact. It's easiest once the docks have put up a flower spike, like about now.

                  I use a fork for digging too. Weedy clay is not easy with a spade.
                  My gardening blog: In Spades, last update 30th April 2018.
                  Chrysanthemum notes page here.

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                  • #10
                    I'm having to dig in the rain sometimes too - my problem is creeping thistles which go down a couple of feet at least, and everything above ground is horrifically prickly. I prefer a fork to a spade - less likely to chop perennial roots into little bits, and also less compaction of the soil from pulling a fork backwards than a more solid spade. I think as long as you keep off the soil (I dig from paths) and fluff up the soil a bit you are fine.
                    A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP. - Leonard Nimoy

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                    • #11
                      I have loads of pallets so if I dig from one of these I should be ok? (Obviously moving it to where I want to dig)


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                      • #12
                        "Mumble's" you say new plot!

                        This being a veg patch in your own garden or an allotment!

                        The whole idea behind this digging in the rain "Malarky" is all about it spoiling the soil structure! Yeah! Agreed with established bed's! But for ground, weed infested and uncultivated for a good few years this theory goes outa the window for me!

                        It has to be cultivated at some point, and what better than having a right good "Set Too" and starting afresh!

                        Oh! And your not an "Odd ball" I cultivate with a fork too!

                        Far easier to separate root's than bringing it out in one big "Clod" you have to get "Down n dirty to" digging it up with a spade!
                        "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad"

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                        • #13
                          It's an allotment and new too me although seeing as it was covered with 6ft weeds obviously not actually new!

                          Thanks for answers feel much happier about digging in the rain now


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