Paths on the cheap
I've just taken on a new allotment after a few years away from the fun of veg growing on a larger scale (my single raised bed of lettuce at home plus a few containers doesn't really count!).
I am apparently responsible for one path alongside my plot, 2.5 rods long and 18 inches wide (the path, not the plot!). What do other folk use for path material that is a) cheap and b) has some longevity? I'm considering wood chips, but will probably need to buy them in (along with some form of membrane to go underneath) but would like to get creative with other cheap or free materials.
Views: 269
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Caroline Turner on -
Contact a local tree surgeon for wood chippings - they usually have tons to offload really cheap or free.
-
Permalink Reply by Soilman on -
Hi Clive
Shredded tree bark is probably your cheapest option, but it doesn't suppress weeds well unless you lay it VERY deep.
If you're keen to keep the weeds down (probably the foremost function of a permanent path?), I think I'd recommend the tried-and-trusted: some kind of light-suppressing membrane (Mypex) with pebbles or stones on top. Dull, yes. But reliable.
-
Permalink Reply by VP on -
I've reused old compost bags on my allotment instead of weed suppressing membrane but as Soilman says the layer on top still needs to be very deep else plenty of weeds still manage to poke through. Also quita a lot of weight is needed to keep them in place unless you use something to peg them down - this applies to membrane and bags!
-
Permalink Reply by VP on
-
Also you'll need to keep any layer such as wood chips topped up because they'll break down eventually. I shred all my garden prunings and take in stuff from the neighbours!
-
Permalink Reply by Helen Mortimer on -
Hi, do you gave a local freecycle group in your area - you could keep an eye out for slabs or shingle of some type and then lay that, does your allotment site have a tree surgeon/council that maybe deliver wood chippings to your site on an unregular delivery schedule [we do and its gone very very fast!!]
-
Permalink Reply by Caro on -
Freecycle? Gumtree? I'm guessing you already know about these but I often read of people offering spare paving slabs and bricks, if you can cart them away. I always look in skips for old but good bricks to make little pathways between my beds and stack them up at the side until I have time to use them.
-
Permalink Reply by Emma on -
I've donated carpet offcuts on Freecycle /Freegle which people have used on allotments. I guess it'd have to have something on top such as pebbles or wood chips...unless the pattern was really nice, of course ;)
-
Permalink Reply by Soilman on
-
Be a tad careful with old carpet. Some carpets (esp the cheaper ones!!) have rather nasty chemicals in them that leach into your soil as they break down. So either use Axminster 100% wool twist or avoid altogether!!
Emma said:I've donated carpet offcuts on Freecycle /Freegle which people have used on allotments. I guess it'd have to have something on top such as pebbles or wood chips...unless the pattern was really nice, of course ;)
-
Permalink Reply by VP on
-
I'm with Soilman - not only do you get chemicals leaching out, but if the carpet's backed with rubber rather than hessian you'll have tiny little bits of rubber in your soil for ever more. Lots of allotment sites now ban the use of carpet - mine has done for the past 5 years or so.
Soilman said:Be a tad careful with old carpet. Some carpets (esp the cheaper ones!!) have rather nasty chemicals in them that leach into your soil as they break down. So either use Axminster 100% wool twist or avoid altogether!!
Emma said:I've donated carpet offcuts on Freecycle /Freegle which people have used on allotments. I guess it'd have to have something on top such as pebbles or wood chips...unless the pattern was really nice, of course ;)
-
Permalink Reply by Carrie Gault on -
We have done chips and membrane and now have realised that we basically need the cheapest gravel/quarry dust. We have a great farmers shop just up the road and it isn't dear - think about it, even a little at a time. It you go to any well established garden or park land that is what they use.
-
Permalink Reply by Sarah Rideout on -
Have a good look at what's there now, is it a grass path? If there is someone who strims all the grass paths on the site it might be worth leaving it as it is - better for beetles apparently! We have a community allotment with a mix of membrane/woodchip and grass paths, but have found if the woodchip is deep enough to block weeds it causes problems with accessibility for mobility scooters/wheelchairs so we are looking at a hexagonal membrane and grit/gravel option for part of the site.
-
Permalink Reply by Clive Scoggins on -
It's just compacted mud at the moment, so I can do with it what I will. Could rake over and sow a grass seed, but then won't be able to walk on it for a while! My previous allotment had grass paths, the problem was it contained couch grass and was continually encroaching on the beds.
Some good suggestions here. I am loath to take the carpet approach, but at least one friend swears by it. Finding the appropriate carpet is key, clearly.
Sarah Rideout said:Have a good look at what's there now, is it a grass path? If there is someone who strims all the grass paths on the site it might be worth leaving it as it is - better for beetles apparently! We have a community allotment with a mix of membrane/woodchip and grass paths, but have found if the woodchip is deep enough to block weeds it causes problems with accessibility for mobility scooters/wheelchairs so we are looking at a hexagonal membrane and grit/gravel option for part of the site.
Our Sponsor
Our Badge
Most Active Members
| 1 |
elaine rickett |
| 2 |
David Ford |
| 3 |
Mark Willis |
| 4 |
pete |
| 5 |
Robert |
| 6 |
Kamila Przekop |
| 7 |
Darren O |
| 8 |
steve webster |
| 9 |
Laila Noort |
| 10 |
Colin Robinson |
Groups
Events
Illustrations By...
© 2013 Created by Stephen Shirley.
