Could I, should I... with a flamethrower?

[Seahorse]

Err, Australian are you, very direct.

No, a Yorkshire Lass but not backward at coming forward, on occasion, lol!

I shall look at Screwfix and similar. Might as well do the job properly if I'm going to do it all!

[crichmond]

Ive got both the hand held with little gas canister and the biggy with the propane bottle on a trolly, its great for killing weeds by using it a couple of times to destroy the cell structure of the weed but doesnt kill deep root weeds, what I usually do with them is apply some glyphosate wait for them to dye and then burn the dead stuff left above ground.

[Woofster]

I have read that the �20 jobbies are not very effective long term and that the more powerful professional types are the thing as they are strong enough to destroy the cell structure of the weed. In any case, a multi pronged attack is the thing, followed by constant vigilance. Plus keeping the plot well planted. There are several plots round me where people have spent a few weekends enthusiastically clearing their plot and then forget to plant stuff so they revert to jungle. It drives me nuts.

[Two_Sheds]

keep... the plot well planted. There are several plots round me where people have spent a few weekends enthusiastically clearing their plot and then forget to plant stuff so they revert to jungle. It drives me nuts.

hear hear. Its such a shame to see all that hard labour go to waste. You need to clear it, then cover it (with a light blocking mulch) or plant it up.

[Paul Wagland]

My favourite clearing tool is a long-handled machete/slasher. It looks like a cross between a samurai sword and a golf club, because the tip is curved up so it's parallel with the ground as you swing. Because it's nice and long you don't need to be strong to use it well - it goes through inch-thick brambles like thin air.

Far cheeper, quicker and greener than burning propane (or using glyphosphate - shame on you on the website of an organic magazine!!!).

I've just found it here (it's the grass slasher/weeder):

green-shopping.co.uk tools1

[crichmond]

every one to there own I say, organicly is ok but the plot I took on had weeds nearly 4 foot high across the whole plot and blackberry bush across most of it, I work full time and the allotment rules state you have to have the plot in good order within 3 months, I was advised by the commitee to use glyphosate so I did. Sometimes thats the way you have to go and I did.

[Seahorse]

My favourite clearing tool is a long-handled machete/slasher. It looks like a cross between a samurai sword and a golf club, because the tip is curved up so it's parallel with the ground as you swing. Because it's nice and long you don't need to be strong to use it well - it goes through inch-thick brambles like thin air.

Far cheeper, quicker and greener than burning propane (or using glyphosphate - shame on you on the website of an organic magazine!!!).

I've just found it here (it's the grass slasher/weeder):

green-shopping.co.uk tools1

Quite like the look of that Paul! It's a better price for that type of thing than I've found elsewhere too.

[snake the squadie]

let me know how you get on with your pyromania. i dont have a lot of time to spare cutting and sieving and stuff so i think a flame thrower is the answear.

[Paul Wagland]

Quite like the look of that Paul! It's a better price for that type of thing than I've found elsewhere too.

It's a good site isn't it? They have lots of unusual tools and some great books.

[Seahorse]

It's a good site isn't it? They have lots of unusual tools and some great books.

I'm hovering in the 'checkout' right now! I reckon if I'm not allowed to torch things, I should at least be able to have a big f*** off knife or two!

[Seahorse]

let me know how you get on with your pyromania. i dont have a lot of time to spare cutting and sieving and stuff so i think a flame thrower is the answear.

I've probably decided against the flamethrower. It pains me to admit it but the advice above re not needing one is rather sensible. However, I do have an ENORMOUS old water tank that I burn brambles in. Ace!

[snake the squadie]

i think you need to speak to some one about your arson tendencys

[Flummery]

There's probably a support group somewhere. Fires R' Us or Incendiaries Annonymous?

[Seahorse]

Yeah, I was going to join the local branch but when I got there, it was just a smoking hole in the ground

[Paul Wagland]

I'm hovering in the 'checkout' right now! I reckon if I'm not allowed to torch things, I should at least be able to have a big f*** off knife or two!

How I laughed! Those poor brambles have met their match I fear...