New Plot, got weeds, what to do?

[Delphinium72]

I'm about to dive into working on my new "allotment". It is overgrown with mostly grass (I'm new to this so I'm not sure what type of grass this is). There are also thistles (pink flowering) and a patch of stinging nettles (which doesn't bother me - may leave it for the butterflies to reproduce in). Obviously the thistles and nettles aren't out yet but I spied them in the fall before I got my hands on the land.

Does anybody have advice on what to do, what to grow, to deal with this weed problem. Obviously weeding would be a great idea, but with two small children I'll probably only be able to do the bare minimum.

I've considered pumpkins (would their large leaves create shade that would suppress weed growth?) in one area.

Any quick fix solutions to this problem or am I dreaming?

[Creemteez]

Hi Delphinium,
Congratulations on getting your plot! I too am clearing a neglected site and would suggest raised beds (4' wide x However long you want them) so that you can tackle them systematicaly. Laying cardboard or black plastic over the areas will help kill off the top-growth and then you can just dig out the roots. Regular meadow grass has fibrous little roots, whereas the dreaded Couch has unmistakable white brittle thick ones that go on forever and ever and ever.....Sorry, just thinking about mine!
Anyway, Potatoes are traditionally said to be good for suppressing weeds and breaking up new ground, although I'm not sure if the credit should go to the potato plants or the gardener who still has to do a lot of digging and weeding to get the ground ready for them!
Whatever you try, remember not to try too much at once. You'll just end up standing in the middle of your plot gibbering like I do!!!

[Eyren]

Hi Delphinium! Most of us here (with one notable exception!) swear by covering the ground with cardboard and/or black plastic to stop the weeds getting worse - late spring is when they really grow like crazy! There's a couple of threads about this in the "Allotment Advice" section, if you fancy a read

BTW are you American (US/Canadian) by any chance? Couldn't help but notice your use of the word "fall"

[Lazgaot]

You could also have a go with chemicals, roundup in particular, to kill off the grass and weeds. Its relatively quick but you'd have to do it on a calm day and when some dry weather is forecast so it doesn't wash off straight away.

[coreopsis]

Congrats on your new plot
As for thistles you'll have to pull them out as they spread very easily(seeds with "fluffy parachutes")-no use for them anyway.
Nettles-you could leave a small patch for nettle fertiliser.

[lynda66]

there isn't really a 'quick fix' the ground still needs digging even if you are going for a no dig system, the easiest way is probably to dig down, and turn the grass turves upside down, then cover with compost/well rotted manure, and cardboard, and plant through that though you will need to remove the perennial weeds, cos they will come back.

[la largartija]

I have cleared some lawn this winter to make space for the spring garden, I first took a shovel and "scalped" the ground to remove as little topsoil as possible(and the grass of course), then I took a pickaxe and turned my heavy clay soil over several times throughout this winter, and now I have a virtually weed free lot. If you don't have time to turn over soil all at once do it in 10-15 minute segments throughout your week.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Congratulations on your lottie! I can't really add anything to what has already been said, all I would add is, take it one step at a time! Don't overdo it! As I was clearing my lottie, I constantly over did it - I can do just that bit, then another - I overdid it, despite all the old chaps on the site saying take it easy. I've now got a bad back, and have to take it easy.
Enjoy your lottie - and dont do too much. Looking forward to hearing about your progress.

[Gela]

Som years ago on Gardeners' World, the one with the pigtail explained what to do with a plot covered in brambles and nettles ets: and I tried it out and it worked.
First: slash all the weeds to the gound
Second: Give them a good watering
Third: Cover with 6 sheets wet newspaper
Fourth: Cover with 6" compost or manure
Plant into the compost if roots shallow, or through the newspaper if deeper. If using manure and it is still hot, push aside and plant into soil brought from another part of the allotment.
Whatever you do don't try too much at once. You will get disheartened.
I tried the above and it worked wonderfully well - the cut down weeds rotted and provided a rich friable soil and it involved no back-breaking digging.
Apparently you can use cardboard or carpet (well soaked) instead of newspaper.
Good Luck