How should I dig over my plot after suppressing weeds?

[Corriewatcher]

I took over my allotment plot last summer, and spent quite a bit of time strimming back the weeds (mostly bindweed and brambles as well as various unknown weeds) and then putting it under cover. I also sprayed Round Up on one quarter of my plot to at least be sure I could get started on one bit of it this year.

Have been down to the plot last week, and the weeds look like they're dead. Question is what do I do now? I know I need to dig over the plot before I start planting, but should I also attempt to take out all the dead weeds? Or can I just dig them into the ground? Is it all really dead, or has it just died back naturally cos of winter, waiting to bounce back once I've given the plot a good dig over?

Very grateful for advice before I make matters worse! Thanks

[mumblechum]

I think you'll have to remove all the dead weeds. Bindweed especially can grow tremendously even from a tiny bit of root fragment left in the earth.

Once you've removed all of the weeds (don't put them on the compost!), rake over to aerate the soil, then feed with well rotted manure or a good feed.

Good luck, make sure you have some Radox in! I dug over quite a small bed on Sunday and my back's still aching.

[Corriewatcher]

Thanks a lot Mumblechum. I'll dig out the bath salts!!