On 23 Aug 2003 09:26:53 -0700, (R) wrote:

have just taken on an allotment plot. Does anyone one where to get
cheap black plastic or sacking to cover it until next year? Have
already tried garden centres and DIY sheds.
thanks


Dunno - but have you considered nipping down to your local tip?
You could either cover the lot with old carpet ( not the foam backed
type - and make sure to cut any large bits into smaller sections, it
gets very heavy when wet ), or you could grab a car load of cardboard
boxes. You'd have to weigh the board down ( a pile of earth will do ).

Cardboard has the advantage in that it will rot down ( so will carpet,
but it takes ages ) and can simply be dug in when its time to
cultivate. Best stick to the plain brown stuff where possible.
Carpet lasts a good few seasons, and can be successfully planted
through - though it can look a bit of an eyesore if you pick naff
patterns!

Both mediums have the advantage of letting the soil breathe - and
they're free.

Regards,



--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
www.shwoodwind.co.uk
Emails to: showard{whoisat}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk