How Do I Start?

Well, TBH, up until people in the forums argued strongly against me on use of Herbicides I had much the same view as you (I still do in fact). But I now also hold a contrary view that maybe something will come to light - e.g. that Big Pharma has lobbied government such that it has not come to light already, or new science will uncover.

A couple of months ago I would have given you any money to bet that the Italians would NOT be envious of the way the UK politicians fiddled their expenses .... :(

... you don't know what you don't yet know, of course

 

:D

 

Hi

I followed this thread with interest as I, too, am still at the very beginning and have a jungle of a garden. I refuse to use any kind of chemicals in the garden but have a long term view and am very patient with the process. In February of this year, I used a little scythe to hack the weeds down to ground level. From March, the digging began. I'm concentrating on an area of 7 m by 7 m although the whole garden is much bigger. I found it really effective to dig out the weeds and enjoyed the work - I mainly have stinging nettles, dandelions, brambles etc. For sure, they started to grow back but with regular digging and hoeing, I feel as I'm getting there on some patches.

Although I'm nowhere near yet, and I too am not the strongest person on the planet, I think digging does work for the person who has the time and inclination and, for the beginner, familiarises you with the soil, plants and general gardening processes.

Good luck!

 

Rider, I'm so glad you posted that because despite some people advising weed killer (and please don't get me wrong, i very much appreciate ALL advice to help make the decision), I decided that using chemicals in my garden would be too risky with my beloved pet rabbits around. So with that in mind, i too decided to dig - I was at it all day yesterday and cleared such a small area (but FOUR rubble bags full!!!) and I feel very proud of myself! lol

I'm completely new to gardening so its great to learn different ways of doing things, but I quite agree that digging allows you to get familar with the soil/garden etc and i did, strangely enough, enjoy it! (I'm sure all you keen gardeners will be thinking 'lets see how they feel about digging in 6 months time' lol!!)

I wanted to ask if anyone knows any short courses i could do on gardeing to learn some basics (unless anyone knows of a better way to learn basics?). But i'll start a new thread on it.

 

not sure if I'm too late to answer this, but here goes anyway.

We moved into our bungalow last September. The back and the front garden were 4-5 feet high with grass nettles and most of all brambles. We first cut the brambles down with seca taurs and then strimmed the whole lot. Now I cover a small area at a time, and then dig, the roots are easier to come out too. The front garden is now a lovely lawned area with flower beds, the back garden still has an awful lot to be done but so far I have cleared one small garden and replanted and cleared the apple trees of weeds, and nearly cleared another side garden. Later this year I want to start on a veggie patch, I have dug a little patch over, and planted sprouts lol. Also planted beans and toms in pots and grow bags.

My dad always told me to give any plant 12 months and if they didn't perform dig them out or move them round. Well by doing that, and just keeping the weeds down, there are some really lovely flowers coming up this year that will be kept. It really is theraputic too if you just stick at it and keep pics of what it did look like. lol

 

no-one seems to have addressed your tools question so i'll try to help here.

for the slight built person i'd go for a border spade and fork with a comfortable wooden handle,stainless is nice in nice light soil but as you have clay,i'd go for a forged but stainless steel is nice to look at and easy to clean.

i have stainless tools like hand trowel,hand fork,rake,dutch hoe etc but i would advice to buy quality tools.
its often a false economy to buy cheap tools.

 

I have heard that covering the whole lot with layers of cardboard and then piling compost on top kills the weeds then the worms use the cardboard and the compost and take it down into the soil and then it will be ready in the spring