New allotment -no dig question

[veneeroftheweek]

Hello, I got an allotment this summer. Was all excited until I actually saw the plot. It's basically an overgrown field. I've strimmed it back completely, and discovered that there is actually a path and some beds in there. I've covered the whole plot while i work out what to do next. The plan is to work a small section which I can use now and then do the rest when I can.

I'm hoping to do no-dig and understand the principles but am not sure whether to dig at the very beginning. The grass is dying back and yellow now, but still very much there. Should I dig it over first then cover with cardboard and top it up with compost or just cover on top of the dying weeds?

I’d be inclined to have a rummage through the dying grass. If there’s evidence of horrible perennial weeds such as horsetail, I’d try to dig them out (carefully, as fragments of root will regrow) but otherwise I’d go full throttle no dig.

Thanks. It's not too bad actually. A bit of bindweed but that's easy to spot and pull out. The rest is couch grass, but it's very much dying back now.

There is a great page on Facebook called Plugs to trugs. It's a lovely lady and her Oh who set up no dig beds on her little bit of land at the very start of this year. I've followed her journey from day one and it's been pretty amazing. I can't believe the amount they produced through the no dig method tbh but it's a friend of a friend and they swear it's even more than they share in the photos.

Sounds great. I'll check it out! Thanks.

When I was an active horseman I had an infinite supply of horsemuck, and used to layer it six inches deep. This will suppress most weeds; those that are strong enough to come through you can deal with individually. It will rot away and the worms will drag it down to improve the soil, you can rake it aside to plant through. It will be gone within half a year, and you can apply a new layer. it looks fine and can be raked level. If you have untidy compost or grass cuttings, you can hide them under the muck. If you enjoy digging you can dig it in yourself.

Many owners are happy to give it away for nothing. Wood-shaving bedding does not smell bad and dries out on the surface so it will not encourage weed seeds.

You will find a surprising amount of baler twine remains, which is always useful in the garden.

Straw bedding smells, and is liable to leak juices into your car.