Nice. I'd plough it (well part of it) adding organic matter as necessary then rotovate and cover with a weed barrier, at planting time I'd either plant through the weed barrier or plant in the open ground and mulch really heavily to keep the bulk of the weeds away.
We used mushroom compost, really cheap, and I believe plentiful in Eire
The main problem is clearing the weeds first of all. This summer we have been understocked and have had nothing to eat off the excess. Now we have a big problem!!
If we get it cut we would have the biggest compost heap in the world!!!! Actually.....we could mulch the turf bank....
Whether you compost it or not you're going to have a huge amount of weed seed in there. If you get it ploughed in now it'll rot over winter and you'll be able to start fresh next year.
Weed exclusion though is going to be your biggest issue, if you're going to get it ploughed now you'll need to prevent weed regrowth and seeding by using a black plastic sheet. If you wait till Novemeber there'll be less time for decomposition but there'll be hardly any weed growth (till spring) even without protection.
Either way for the first couple of years you're going to need matting, sheeting, or heavy mulching to stop you going doolally. We ended up using bark till we got hold of the mushroom compost, both do an excellent job (in thick enough layers) but you'll still need to weed regularly if you mulch, it just won't be to the horrendous scale that almost made us cry (more than once).
Oh, and if your budget can stretch to a decent irrigation system they are soooo useful, small amounts of regular watering under the mulch keep it unbelievably moist
Tahir, irrigation is not a problem! Drainage pipes underneath due to 5 natural springs! 2 diverted to our pond, one for our well and the others drain into ditches that feed into Lough Dergh!
We are going to try and find contractor ( at this time of year??) to bury the weeds by our pond - we have a huge dip in land and seems like a good natural compost zone!! Its a meadowland surrounded by wild orchids and yellow flag - don't worry not touching that bit just the rare breed thistle patch
wellington womble
Joined: 08 Nov 2004 Posts: 15051 Location: East Midlands
Posted: Sat Aug 05, 06 9:21 am Post subject:
tahir wrote:
We used mushroom compost, really cheap, and I believe plentiful in Eire
Where'd you get that? I could do with some for the new place.
it looks and sounds too lovely!
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