| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| mousjoos |
Drowning in adviceAfter strimming, slashing, sawing, etc I now have a large(ish) plot covered in decaying vegetation (former ferns, brambles etc).I've been struggling with the "dig, or no dig" conundrum for a while now, & am at a loss as to which way to fall. Speaking to a mate yesterday I was told the way forward was to plough everything into the ground, & in doing so, I'd expose all the sneaky, ready-to-spring-forth-at-a-moment's-notice fernlets below the surface, & that they'd rot & die off. But how do I know there are not more of them lurking once they've been cut into pieces by the plough, ready to redouble their efforts next year? Or do I rake it all up & burn it, gaily roasting marshmallows & chestnuts as I go, & then gently introduce the ashes into the soil after, with not much digging? Or do I just dump a large load of poo on top & mulch (pretty much what's been the case for 10 years or so, minus the poo) until next year. Any help would be welcome as everyone I speak to around me has a different idea, & of course, their advice is always the one to follow. Thank you in advance. |
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| Cathryn |
I don't know about ferns but if you have any thistles* in the ground DON'T PLOUGH! You are creating a perfect seed bed for it and similar weeds. Personally I would cover with mulch and fertiliser and as much old carpet as you can beg steal or borrow and then uncover small area a bit at a time.
*or mint, but I think that's probably just a local aberration. 
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| ksia |
What do you intend to do with your plot mousy? | ||
| mousjoos |
Once the trees are cut, I'd thought to plant some old varieties of fruit trees;however, apparently, only apples & plums do well here.
There are also plans for a polytunnel, & a veg patch... nothing too big but enough for us. There's also a bit of landscaping that needs doing, involving tree stumps & levelling. In the meantime, it may just be destroy the weeds & see what happens. I have to say that, having thought about it, the poo/mulch idea is growing on me, though I was looking forward to a bonfire..... the marshmallows were just an afterthought. My wife has lots of ideas (all better than mine, she informs me) but I keep saying it will all take time, but patience is not something either has in abundance. All will be revealed in the fullness of time, for better or worse. |
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| ksia |
For the veg/poly bit you can get rolls of woven plastic matting from Leroy Merlin etc which we've found is great for keeping down weeds.
For the rest, scythe once a year? |
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| Castle Farm |
Put some poultry or pigs on it and let them do the work...after you eat the pigs and plant the land. | ||
| mochyn |
Pigs. |
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| mousjoos |
I've tried in vain to persuade Head Office that pigs would be the answer, even if we just borrowed them from someone for as long as it took to clean the place up, but she has enough strife with the dog (who's very well behaved) & I think a couple of pink oinky things would tip her over the edge.....ironically she had a pet pig (the runt of the litter) when she was 4 or 5 years old, called Ernie. | ||
| mochyn |
Show her this.
http://www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=8697 |
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| mousjoos |
Sorted! If that doesn't change her mind, I'm leaving home! |