Wanting to clear land for planting

Mojisola

jack_121 said:

Thanks. I'll get animals to eat the weeds as you advised then use glyphosate to get rid of deep roots or problem areas. 

Systemic weed killers are taken in through the leaves so you need to spray it on foliage, not roots in bare soil. 

jack_121

Have found resolva and weedol at the local b&q, are these 360g/l

Might have to order gallup from the net if it is noy locally available

Davesnave

The local B&Q isn't your best source, the internet is. You wouldn't buy it ready mixed and you would use a good sized sprayer to mix up 3l or more at a time to apply to leaves. The active ingredients in glyphosate are neutralised almost as soon as it hits the ground and it works by inhibiting photosynthesis, not contaminating the earth.

I have no idea about the products you mention, as I use pro products, but everything is Googleable....

Justagardener

Please take advice here. These diy weedkillers like weedol and resolva are very weak, even the so called "PRO". They also contain other herbicides to be effective on other weeds like ivy etc. The extra chemicals could hang around in the soil and you don't need that. If you are on a budget. You could buy a cheap backpack sprayer and a litre of gallup for around £30 online and you would be done for a couple of years.

Farway

jack_121 said:

Thanks. I'll get animals to eat the weeds as you advised then use glyphosate to get rid of deep roots or problem areas. Is there a cheap generic glyphosate available, don't want to pay Roundup prices.

If i were to grow potatoes how do they fare in cold winter weather. Also, any more winter hardy plants.

Thanks!

Spuds would most likely rot in the ground with winter wet & cold. Spring's the time

Other winter hardy, may be a bit too late now as most, like sprouts, leeks. sprouting broccoli, parsnips have made growth and settled roots

You may find young sprouts or leeks around ready to plant, too late for seed

Davesnave

I bought one of these cheap Chinese copies(20lite but don't do more than half fill it!) earlier this month, although I also have the model it's a copy of.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Pressure-Weedkiller-Sprayer-Garden-Spray-Bottle-Knapsack-Chemical-Water/272818796793?_trkparms=aid=1110012&algo=SPLICE.SOIPOST&ao=1&asc=20200420083544&meid=45702a54e4fc43ad9c93188246fcc887&pid=100008&rk=1&rkt=12&mehot=pp&sd=184180302327&itm=272818796793&pmt=1&noa=0&pg=2047675&algv=PromotedSellersOtherItemsV2&_trksid=p2047675.c100008.m2219

It's inferior, but it maintains pressure OK, and if it lasts two years I'll be satisfied with it. I've put a better nozzle on it. The original Matabi has done 11 years and costs £65.

Mojisola

jack_121 said:

If i were to grow potatoes how do they fare in cold winter weather.

As you are a total beginner at veg growing, it would be wise to follow Dave's advice and start with a small area while you learn.

There are loads of YouTube videos about gardening and plenty of gardening and allotment forums - spend time on those and learn what you can before you start.

jack_121

Thanks!

 i found gallup  £15 for a litre with 390 g/l of glyphosate, then there is gallup XL 5 liters for £28, seems much better value.

Also if planting seeds is too late as summer is almost over, i use the word summer in the loosest terms, would a poly tunnel be the only option.

Farway

jack_121 said:

Thanks!

 i found gallup  £15 for a litre with 390 g/l of glyphosate, then there is gallup XL 5 liters for £28, seems much better value.

Also if planting seeds is too late as summer is almost over, i use the word summer in the loosest terms, would a poly tunnel be the only option.

Probably is for most seeds. Not sure a ploy tunnel would help this time of year [Dave would know] unless you are going to heat it somehow.

It's not just warmth that plants require, some are very dependant on day length as well, hence the surge in "grow lights"  once they became a viable option for the amateur

Follow Dave & Mojisloa advice and walk before you try & run

Now is a very good time to send for seed catalogues to browse & dream of Summer during the winter days when it's tipping down, or snowing

Mojisola

Sites like this -

www.gardenersworld.com/plants/vegetable-seeds-to-sow-in-august/

www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/article/uk-vegetable-planting-calendar

- give you ideas of what to do month by month.  Lots of other useful advice, too.