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Several acres to clear

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  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    qaz5667 said:
    Thanks! Crops for myself. Probably not all the land, but do want to become self sufficent if possible.
    Heard a few things about salt, vinegar and epsom salts. Any experience of this or is it totally wrong.
    despite being " natural " none of these things are a panacea and all have downsides to them. 
    Devon.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    All chemicals - and they don't work anyway.  :)
    Epsom salts can be used as a feed for certain things though, but it would be better to read a bit on that subject first. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    If you use chemicals, natural or man made, consider the effects it has on the soil and everything IN the soil. 
    Devon.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited August 2020
    I grew up on a farm and ran a 9+ acre smallholding for several years.   We had a tractor and machinery and also paid a local farmer to do some work for us from time to time. 

    If you don't already have the knowledge and expertise you need to learn fast ... sign up for a smallholders course at your local agricultural college or have a look online ... this may be of interest 
    https://www.ncchomelearning.co.uk/smallholding-management-diploma.html

    It's bdooly hard work and you need to know what you're doing ... you can't just go spraying stuff from Wilko's on your land like that.  For a start you need agricultural quality and quantities and the right equipment.  Is your land near a river or stream or a watercourse leading to one ... if so there will be restrictions on what and where you can spray. 

    Is it a registered smallholding?  If not and you plan to keep livestock you'll need to register it.  https://www.countrysmallholding.com/land/rules-and-regulations-registering-a-holding-and-livestock-1-5427364

    Join your local Smallholders' Association ... you'll get the help and advice you need there ... a list here https://devonsmallholders.co.uk/smallholdersassociations.html

    Good luck and don't be afraid to ask  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • tui34tui34 Posts: 3,493
    Crikey!  10 acres is big for one man to handle. 1 acre is big for one man to handle.  We did this in New Zealand and it took quite some time to get it right.  The neighbours cows did a good job, they turn the soil too.  But they won't eat brambles.  Pigs and goats have a habit of escaping but cows stick together pretty much.  Then you can plough.    We rotated crops and also did nursery on 1 acre of the land.   Better get to know the local hire centre or have a big budget for machinery.  Start with 1 or 2 acres at a time.  Get it clean.  Plant it and then move on.   I really wish you well.
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

  • tui34tui34 Posts: 3,493
    PS  How about some photos?
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    If you grow spuds, the salt and vinegar may come in handy.  :)
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    10 acres is equivalent to 160 standard sized allotment plots. Many new gardeners struggle to clear and maintain 1 allotment plot so you may need to have a long hard think about what is practically possible.
  • qaz5667qaz5667 Posts: 7
    Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.
    I really want something to spray over the land. Any recommendations?
    It is a big project and too much for one man and a shovel, do need some chemical assistance. I have the time and want to kick start this project asap.
    Sorry, no cows or pigs in the area
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    qaz5667 said:
    Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.
    I really want something to spray over the land. Any recommendations?
    It is a big project and too much for one man and a shovel, do need some chemical assistance. I have the time and want to kick start this project asap.
    Sorry, no cows or pigs in the area
    If , as you seems, you want to kill everything in site without considering consequences , I'm giving up .
    Devon.
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