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Polytunnel query
Heather Taylor2
Posts: 2
I have managed to harvest a lot of weeds in my polytunnel this year. Due to being away and various other reasons, embarrassing to admit. I now have the puzzle of whether to put down weedkiller or to dig them all up and risk the chance of re-seeding the weeds? I wouldn't normally use chemicals but this time I am not sure how else to get rid of them all completely.
What are the best suggestions to clearing my tunnel for the Winter and to be able to grow something far more worthwhile next year going forward?
Any tips most appreciated, Heather.
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Posts
Putting ordinary weedkiller down now won't stop any scattered seeds from germinating. To do that you need a powerful weedkiller containing a 'pre-emergent' ingredient which stops seeds from germinating ... these usually remain in the soil for quite some period of time and I really wouldn't contaminate your soil in the poly-tunnel by using something like that as it will prevent you growing stuff from seed in there next season.
I'm afraid you're just going to have to bite the bullet and cut and gather the weeds trying not to scatter too many seeds, and then dig the roots out and be prepared for regular hoeing and weeding next spring.
Good luck.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I suggest you cover the lot with a tarp or cardboard until January. It will expire any energy in the current weeds and kill them also preventing any new ones popping up.
What sort of weeds do you have. What size is the polytunnel, / job of clearing and what do you plan to grow next year in there?
All excellent tips thanks. There is a variety of weeds mostly nettles and dandelions. I think I will dig up and clear as best as I can then put down cardboard to cover and spare any seedlings from germinating. I have not made my plan for what to grow in there next year but I will endeavour to make it productive this time! Thanks to all for useful comments
The reason I was asking what you plan to grow is, for example: if you're growing rows of lettuce, you'll have to be more thorough,than if you're growing something chunkier like courgette plants which will fight little weeds better.