Allotment Clear Up - Removing weeds and brambles - Part one of many

I continue to clear up the allotment by removing weeds and brambles. Obviously this is the first time and as this allotment has been neglected for years, there are plenty of weeds and brambles. I haven't got everything and some will be back from roots or seeds in the ground so this will be an ongoing process but that's part of life on UK allotments.
#StartingANewAllotment #Allotment #allotmentsuk

[@charlottemorley3669]

Hey, I’ve just taken on a plot with lots of bramble root, I’ve started digging them up by the root, what do you think is the best way to get rid of what I’ve dug up?

[@OurEcoLife]

Don't try to compost it. The best way is to either take it to a municipal facility to be taken care of or simply burn the brambles.

[@michaeldnolan]

So glad I found this, 6 month into a new allotment that looks just like this! Thank you for the motivation.

[@OurEcoLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Kellyfamilyadventures]

Hey new to your channel we have just took over an allotment over 3 weeks ago it was a blank canvas apart from the jungle of weeds but were making good progress looking forward to learn some tips :) we have also started vlogging it on our channel so we can look back next year to see how far we have come

[@portnoyhero]

We've taken an allotment on today and have 6 foot nettles and all sorts. Nervous about it but looking forward to cracking on!

[@OurEcoLife]

Just take it easy and don't worry about doing it all at once. If it's as bad as you say, then it will take two or three years. Get the big weeds out of the way in the first year by digging out the roots. You won't get everything so more will come up in the second and third years but if you keep pulling them, you'll get on top of it.

[@stephenallison1765]

You'll get there with it,you just need patience.Hopefully you've cut it to ground level by now,and double dig it all,a section at a time.Also it might be worth buying a weed membrane,so that starts killing off some of the weeds ahead of you digging,and will help prevent more where has already been dug.Best of luck my friend,and if your an eager beaver like me,consider doing yourself a few raised beds so you can do some bits to be going on with 🙂

[@HomegrownHannah]

I needed this for some motivation, I’m clearing mine now and it’s never ending!

[@OurEcoLife]

Keep going. When you get to taste the first thing that you've grown, it will be the best motivation there is.

[@dreamkitchen5490]

Helpful video, thank you for sharing ✅

[@OurEcoLife]

Thank you. Glad it was helpful!

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

Wow and that’s night and day madness

[@OurEcoLife]

Yes, and the madness continues.

[@procta2343]

keep at it pal, you have really cleared some rubbish there! Not to mention a year's supply of glass.

[@OurEcoLife]

Thanks. There's more glass waiting to be uncovered!

[@procta2343]

@@OurEcoLife i am not surprised, someone must have dumped on wanted green house glass.

[@mrp2868]

I've started clearing mine out now, they are about 20ft high at the moment

[@OurEcoLife]

You'll see the difference when they're down and sunlight get in.

[@ronniebarker79]

Only thing i got left with at the alloment was mayors tail if you have come across it yet

[@OurEcoLife]

It's there in a couple of spots. I think the other weeds have held it back.

[@AndrewMartinIsHere]

Wow, this is steady work. I have some brambles I’ve dug out so many times... but somehow they come back the following season. How long do you reckon the plot stood unused before you took it on?

[@OurEcoLife]

They had to evict the previous tenant for non-cultivation. Apparently it takes a while so probably a couple of years.

[@jonethomas3892]

Andrew just cut the end bramble and keep the cut end in creosote,cover from the elements, and give it time, it goes to the root and kills it, then dig out and burn.

[@jonethomas3892]

You got to find goats to do the work and make it easy for you.

[@OurEcoLife]

I'm afraid goats aren't allowed on the allotments.

[@thetruthshallsetyoufree1700]

Spray the area with a powerful systemic herbicide like Pastor in spring - that will sort out these weeds.

[@OurEcoLife]

I won't use those types of herbicides as they can linger in the soil. It's a personal choice, some people are happy to use them but I prefer to do things organically. No herbicides or rototillers on my allotment.

[@rosemariehozjan723]

I am sorry - this is absolutely horrible and they hurt - have several hundred to dig up come spring as the neighbors fruit came to roost on our side 😞

[@OurEcoLife]

Yes, if you don't want to use weedkillers, thick gloves and clothing is the only way to protect yourself. Good luck with your clearance.

[@daveperry3485]

I’ve watched you clearing glass,dealing with that brick building and now this.
I wish you luck,it is possibly the worst plot I’ve seen.
Saying that I am looking forward to seeing your progress.
Personally I would have given up.

[@OurEcoLife]

Thanks for following my progress. I've wondered why I'm doing this and a sensible person probably would have given up.

[@jonethomas3892]

Positive, keep planing ahead the rewards is coming, try a weed burner if you can in your area.

[@bristolveggiebeds5310]

I hate dock weeds! They seed everywhere and are hard to dig up!

[@OurEcoLife]

The plus side is, if you cut them before they set seed, they make an excellent liquid fertiliser (video on doing this will be coming up)

[@jonethomas3892]

Glad you not got bamboo in your plot, two years and still in battle with this, if any one has bamboo keep it contained in bigger pots real night mare.

[@OurEcoLife]

Some other plots have bamboo and it can be a problem. The privet hedges grow fast and are almost as bad as bamboo.