What are the best tools to do my garden?
Question:I have a good size garden completely overgrown with dock leaves and weeds.
Hiring someone to do the work costs a fortune, so I've decided to do it myself.
I need to kill the weeds, clear space and get the soil ready to put rollout grass on top.
So far the best idea I've had is to hire a Brush cutter to cut them down, then use a flame gun to burn the remaining ones (also thought it might help the soil).
Is this the best approach or do you have any better ideas?
Please help!!
Answers:
You've had some quotes for the work right? And they were all expensive? I'd say you are about to take on a project of mammoth proportions all on your own - look after your back!
Your first task is to cut down the vegetation as much as you can, scythe whatever is most suited to the job. Next you want to kerb regrowth - either cover the whole area with black plastic or other non-permeable sheeting. Dig out the roots of the docks. Leave this for at least 4 weeks. Return to it and remove surface remnants of vegetation. Next use a rotavator to till the ground - removing remaining roots and large stones.
Next rake the ground so that it is flat all over. Once raked, you will have to tamp down the whole area - either with your feet or a tamping tool. Now you are ready to roll out your turfs. Laying them is quite a skill, then you have to care for this area very carefully for the next year.
To get any garden looking nice when it has been left to rot is backbreaking work, but worth it in the end. Get a hedge spade [slightly narrower than normal] a rake, a hoe and edging shears.Dig up all the weeds and compost them, as with all the other rubbish. Nice to see a bit of sweat.
I used Roundup for gardens and let the garden set - then raked out the dead and tilled - let it set for a week and then ammended the soil with organic peat and manure before I planted.
You can rent a roto tiller at any rental facility.
Have you asked the farmers what they use in their crops to control dock? They would be your best source.in fact, think of how the farmers till and prepare their soil for the upcoming crop and what they use.
A local Quality Farm and Fleet would have the supplies you need as well as assistance for your specific needs in your area.
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