An end to Organic Veg Growing

This is plot W8 I am plot W7 that`s my greenhouse on the right the apex is about 8`

I surveyed the plot today after picking about 1KG of runner beans and some beet roots and made quite a big decision. After four years of organic growing, I intend to use a Roundup type weed killer over the whole plot in the Autumn when all the crops are up and the plot is bare. Quite drastic action because I will be in effect be starting over again next spring, but I see no alternative because at 70 I don`t have the physical energy to dig as I used to. I may also consider raised beds.

The battle with weeds of all types is a nightmare the worst being bindweed, they all grow faster than I can control them, a combination of the site location and plot holders who have neglected their plots and allowed them to become completely overgrown. I also made a huge mistake ordering a large load of compost in the Autumn of last year which was full of weeds which I then unwittingly spread on the whole plot. In addition, on taking the plot on the first year before I became aware of the bindweed problem I had a friend rotavate the plot effectively cutting the bindweed roots into tiny pieces. The many sycamore tree seeds pods I will also have to deal with.

I made a start today and sprayed the whole fence with Roundup (glyphosate) which was covered in bindweed. coming over from the jungle of a plot next to me.

Seeing as only a small percentage of our annual consumption of veg is organic from the plot, the rest coming from non organic supermarket offerings I can`t see there will be a huge difference other than on flavour we shall see.

Will keep some seeds of the nasturtiums back for re-sowing, think I prefer the yellow over the red.

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Comment by Catherine on August 7, 2012 at 21:05: David, I do understand your frustration with weeds and especially bindweed creeping in from nearby neglected allotments. It's really unfair of them.

My hubby is thinking of raising the outside beds up off the ground for next year, the slugs and snails also got everywhere, even into the heads of our cauliflowers. Mass murder still prevails in our very wet summer here in Ireland.The slugs and snails have even been seen climbing up the inside of the tunnel plastic.....what do they think they will find up there ? The stilted beds will be also much easier on the back and weak wrists and much easier to weed too. We have a great supply of pallets from a local Lawnmower shop. Good luck for next year!

Comment by David Ford on August 7, 2012 at 21:35: Hi Catherine, interesting subject pallets, I have seen a project using them in a clever manner which I hope to post soon.

Comment by Catherine on August 7, 2012 at 21:45: It is amazing what you can make with them. Hubby made a raised bed coldframe and a picnic bench so far.A slatted bench for strawberries in the tunnel is also on the cards for next year :)

Can't wait to see your clever manner..:)

Comment by David Ford on August 7, 2012 at 22:07: The basis of what I have seen are, the pallets cut, resized a lot smaller in height but not width, treated with a preservative laid on end vertically into the soil, the gaps filled in with the excavated soil, this then creates lots of small pockets to use for a variety of flowers as companion plants. So a raised bed with space round the outside for companion planting with whatever you like, I am trying to get a photo of this project.

Comment by Catherine on August 7, 2012 at 22:11: Sounds good David!

Comment by Richard Borrie on August 8, 2012 at 7:20: Surely the important thing is that you are continuing to grow some of your own food, and still having complete control over how it is produced. Also there is a difference between a one-off application of Round-up at the end of the season, compared with the ongoing application of pesticides and herbicides (whether organic or conventional) during the growing season which is probably how much of the supermarket produce is grown.

Comment by Fred Hogg on August 8, 2012 at 8:09: My plot was clear of bindweed, but having had a lazy neighbour who's only growth was brambles and bindweed (now evicted), am now starting to get it again. I blast it with roundup, stuff the organics..... Also set to with my sickle yesterday and cleared his plot, couple of hours wasted time...