In article m, SteveM
writes
Hi

I have just got my first allotment. It is 250sqm and is covered in
grass but very few 'weeds' having been used last year until autumn.
(The soil was rotovated about a year ago but had crops in only a few
areas.)

Can anyone suggest how to get rid of the layer of grass, I have read
the FAQ but need some more specific advice. Would it be a good idea to
use a turf cutter to lift the top layer, or is there any other way to
create beds without using chemicals if possible?

Help, I'm only a novice!

My way of converting a grassed area into one suitable for growing
organic vegetables is unorthodox. It suits me though and it works.

I cut the grass as short as possible, preferably in late autumn or
winter. The cuttings go onto the compost heap, eventually to return and
replace the nutrients they took out. Then the area is given a good mulch
of well matured stable or farmyard manure. When that has bio-degraded
into the surface of the soil, I till it. (I use a rotovator, but other
ways are available). While tilling is in progress, I take out any
obvious weed roots or parts of plants. I then crop the area with
vegetables. Some grass shoots appear along with all the other weeds, but
they can be pulled out by their roots easily in the freshly tilled soil.
After a couple of seasons, the area is clear of established unwanted
plants and cropping can be practised as for annual weeds.
--
Alan & Joan Gould - North Lincs.