* How to clear and reclaim overgrown ground,
* How to deal with problem weeds,
* What works, what doesn't.
Are you breaking in a new garden or clearing up a wild weedy patch. It's tempting to use weed killer. But to stay organic you need to consider the alternatives to weed killer.
So here's some information about reclaiming those wild plots that have been taken over by perennial weeds and trees. There's actually a range of organic weed controls here for you to use.
You'll find more about
the nature of perennial weeds
here, but for practical approaches to clearing new ground see below.
Sizing Up The Job
Of course you will need to balance the size of the job with the number of hands you have to work and the time you have. Sometimes it can be a daunting task. But weed killer can be expensive, especially on larger areas. And of course - weed killers are poisonous.
There are two approaches if your ground is going to take some time to clear.
1 Do smaller manageable pieces: Keep at it, give yourself a pat on the back when a piece is done - you'll eventually get there - see below for help.
2 A fast track mechanised approach: Perhaps you want to use a garden tiller to break in a new plot. You'll find more
about garden tillers and what they do on this link.
A thriving site - And there are worse things.
Sterile weed killed land stagnates
ooops!
no that's not the shed flattened out but
some old fencing.
Weed Barriers And Sheet Mulch
First you need to remove any debris from the site - building rubble and rubbish.
If you have to clear trees and stumps see below,
Then cut the weeds down to the ground.
Choose from:-
- or a sharp spade - (because densely weedy ground is often dry, roots snag a fork & tap rooted weeds e.g. docks & thistles, are best dug up whole).
... ...to help you get this job done,
Now lay down over all a light excluding barrier such as P.V.C. sheeting, or one of several porous light excluding mulches,
Suitable weed barriers are on this link,
Weed barriers may need to be left in place for 6 months to 3 years. After that they should be removed so that your ground can be improved organically.
But weed barriers will look good when you:
Cover the barrier with ornamental mulch,
Plant through the weed barrier, or
You can even grow on top of the sheet by,
using containers or,
edging the surround and covering with compost.
The weed barrier is a temporary solution and you will look forward to laying out and cultivating permanent beds for your flowers, vegetables and herbs.
But first it takes no time to slash the weeds to the ground & cover with a light excluding permeable sheet.
If your patch is overrun with briers and thorn then your ordinary gardening clothes may be torn to shreds.
Increased shade and drier conditions usually leave wooded areas free of the usual weeds. That may change when a wood is cleared. Resist the temptation to clear established woodland where it provides valuable wildlife habitat.
But if you have an overgrown orchard or an area where ornamental or fruit trees have spread by underground suckers then, clearing it up can be quite a challenge.
Don't be stumped by the problem
You should not cut off the trees at ground level, but leave a good length to help you grip and lever them out of the ground.
