Polytunnel beginer

Sidney Pink · Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 10:19 pm Post subject: Polytunnel beginer

Hi all,I've just got a polytunnel and intend to put in raised beds.Its set on grass with a good scatter of dock leaves.What would be the best way to keep them from coming up through the soil?I was thinking of spraying the dock with an organic weedkiller and just covering the whole lot with newspaper and carboard before putting in the raised beds.What do you think?

tagwex · Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 11:36 pm Post subject:

Simozene would be great as it would totally sterilise that soil of anything alive in it but it cannot be purchased anymore. So whatever the green and PC equivalent is nowadays is the way to go I guess. I read somewhere that a full grown dock can spread 6000 seeds so be choosy when disturbing them or else you will have trouble for years. Digging them up is not a solution either as you may knock seeds off plus any bit of root left in the ground will grow again. When do you plan on moving in? Guessing that you are wanting it for next spring I would dose the area, let them come up again and again, with roundup, this will save you years of hardship but I note you want to go the organic route. A flame gun would be effective too. The newspaper and cardboard would work too but those pesky weed seeds wil find a way through eventually. Carpet works too but I would spray with roundup - job done quickly and effectively. I am inundated with couch grass and docks here, even today I sprayed a large enough area that I had let go too long (4 to 5' high) but next week it will be bare soil.

tippben · Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2015 5:05 am Post subject:

Kill everything. I'd really try to physically remove the docks if you can. As for the grass, organically, a flame gun or boiling water (ideally both) will help. Then, you are right. exclude light. I used glyphosate initially myself.

Newspaper and cardboard is right, but then, cover the entire floor in black weed suppressant membrane. When you get it, remember to get the little black pegs to hold it down tight as well. This will do three things: 1) Stop the weeds from growing. Those that do are easily pulled off. 2) Keep your tunnel warmer, as it absorbs heat. 3) It is easy to sweep, keeping your tunnel cleaner, thus reducing pests and disease. You just cut the covering wherever you are going to put in a bed.

If you can, build a "heat sink". http://www.reuk.co.uk/Solar-Greenhouse-Heat-Sink.htm I wish I had.

tagwex · Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2015 10:39 pm Post subject:

Isn't it great to be appreciated tippben?