On Sat, 26 Oct 2013 15:28:55 +0000, Baz wrote:

"David.WE.Roberts" wrote in
:

I'm going to try a deliberate (rather than involuntary) no dig policy
this winter on the allotment.

I need some opaque plastic sheets to cover the ground.

I do have some black and some blue DPC membrane for putting in
foundations.

I think that black DPC membrane would be better because it lets no light
in and helps warm up the ground. I don't know the science of it, but
black absorbs light, or is it heat? Or both?
I have seen many allotmenteers us it on parts that have weeds, and I am
going to do the same next week for my next years potato plot after a
layer of rotted manure has been laid on the top of the soil.

Will this be O.K. or do I need something gardening specific?

One snag is that your soil is going to be on the dry side when you lift
the covers off. Would it be a good idea to water first? I don't know. I
am going to suck it and see. (no pun)
snip

Have you seen the forecast? :-(

Not much point in watering a swamp, IMHO.

Good general point, though :-)

Cheers

Dave R