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New allotment! mares tail..gulp

the tidy gardenerthe tidy gardener Posts: 591
in Problem solving
hi guys!!
we've just taken on a quarter of a plot of an allotment.gulp..i suggested it to hubby as he is working from home and the only exercise he gets is going downstairs to get a coffee😀 he loves rhubarb which I keep moving as it's too big.its currently in 2 large pots.i suggested starting with this.weve just had a look at the plot and altho it was cleared with weed killer in the spring it's got mares tail...
I have this in my dad's garden.impossible to get rid of I know.but I tend to not stress about it. any tips on getting started on an allotment ?! 

Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    I've only started a half plot three weeks ago...good luck! Our site has some mare's tail but thankfully far away from our plot...but we have bindweed. Made a start by using cardboard and compost on a no dig principle...we'll see how it goes. All you can do is keep on top of it and keep cutting it off. I bet the rhubarb will love its life in the ground, have a nice one at home, but bought a Stockbridge Arrow for the allotment to mix with some ornamentals near the compost bin. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    You could try this-
    https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Rootblast-Concentrated-Commercial-Strength-Glyphosate/dp/B07Q4PZNX6/ref=pd_bxgy_1/258-6160358-9917608?pd_rd_w=LhLBX&pf_rd_p=e5130b5a-1765-4699-bcba-dfad57398256&pf_rd_r=X7G18S33A0NECTWPMD8Q&pd_rd_r=1698fc1f-2b16-46be-a786-cd5694a3c638&pd_rd_wg=dUmMq&pd_rd_i=B07Q4PZNX6&psc=1

    or any other brand of glyphosate 360 (the 360 is important, as that indicates it is the strongest available). I used a dilution rate of 30ml glyphosate 360 to 1L water.
    Adding just a few (4-5 drops per litre of mixed spray) washing up liquid will help it stick to the Mare's Tail (add this at the end and stir in, or you'll end up with loads of bubbles).

    I have read reports that this does work on Mare's Tail, but I don't have any (phew!)
    I did use it to kill a whole overgrown area of brambles, assorted perennial weeds and masses of ivy. It killed all of it over 3 applications spaced about 3 weeks apart.
    If you choose this route, be very careful with overspray, it'll kill just about any plant that it lands on. I never use a fine spray, I adjust the sprayer so it produces small droplets and only use on a calm day.
    It only works while plants are actively growing, so use between March-Sept.
    It is only absorbed by leaves and has no effect on the soil.


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • the tidy gardenerthe tidy gardener Posts: 591
    thanks! hubby said ive moved it 7 times !!I haven't!!have I?! so I will buy him a new one.and some fruit.its up to him if he wants to do veg.i don't want to take over..
  • Chris-P-BaconChris-P-Bacon Posts: 943
    Mares' tail is very difficult to get rid of. You can but it will take time. Try using a burner.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Range-WEED-BURNER-Cannisters-Butane/dp/B008CIT3MS

    Your choice of course but I wouldn't use chemicals/weedkillers of any description.
  • the tidy gardenerthe tidy gardener Posts: 591
    the plot had week killer on it in the spring.but off course it's come back.always does.hubby is now very quiet on the idea but I am already planning it in my head!oh dear...
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