This is part of a weekly (or fortnightly if I'm lacking content) series about owning an allotment. Click here for the Introduction Post. I am NOT a keen gardener, so this series will be telling tales of stuff I learn as the season’s progress. Hopefully you find it interesting, you might find some of it useful, and if you have any comments, questions or even better, some useful tips to share, then please add them below
This post is an entry to the Hive Community Garden Journal Challenge run by @simplymike. This is the first time I have entered, and if you want to join in with this competition as well, then check This Post for more information!
As part of managing our allotment we are still trying to clear the ground ready for use (it was out of use for 4 years before we acquired it... there are A LOT of weeds...
In the Allotment Diaries post I wrote Last Week I mentioned clearing away a large area of Brambles. In the middle of the picture you might be able to spot a grey-green piece of carpet...
Apparently this was put down to stop weeds growing... not only was it a complete waste of time, but it has made clearing the ground so much harder. Today we went back to tackle this and clear some more ground ready for planting next year.
Carpet dug up, and moved out of the way
Thats Better! Now to clear those Bramble Roots...
The whole area had been covered by Brambles (Rubus fruticosus), which had grown quite happily through the carpet. After clearing most of the plants out of the way and getting rid of the last of the carpet, we were left with these 'root stumps'. Is that a real term? I don't know...
These are gonna take a while to dig out. The problem with plants like these is that they spread so easily. Both the branches and roots will spread out to create new plants
This shows what I'm up against. The roots are surprisingly long, and go out in all directions, so it'll take a fair bit of effort to dig them out...
After a couple of hours work, the patch of ground is clear. I have got all the big clumps of roots out, but there will still be bits of root left behind. I'll be keeping an eye on it over the winter, and then in Spring next year it will be ready for planting
Bonus wildlife
The bonus for this week is this beautiful Garden Orb Weaver (Araneus diadematus). These are very common here, and are most often seen in Late Summer and Early Autumn. Seeing this gorgeous female today is a reminder that the seasons are progressing fast. I can't believe how fast this year has gone.
Garden Orb Weaver - Araneus diadematus
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Oh, does brambles are a real pain to get rid off. I dug out a plant in our garden last year and the year before, and it just keeps coming back. I guess I missed some roots every time.
Yep, I'm gonna have to be extra vigilant over the next 6 months to try and keep on top of them!
Wish me Luck (I'll flippin' need it!)