Chasingmytail
Member
- Location
- Newport, SE Wales
Im not convinced at onions and slugs over the few weeks we had real wet weather the slugs could be seen in mass on many stalks. Even though my husband keeps banging on about companion crops when I met Charles Dowding last month he said he couldnt confirm they worked for him either. He did confirm that long grass and being surrounded by hedges and fields does exacerbate the situation. Yes I agree about the bare soil some areas should have a layer of fresh compost to boost it and some areas will be replanted however things like lettuce may suit the poly better. Winter crops are mainly brassicas and I done have a few rows so will be covering these with the compost and having to weed again before the spring. My point about bare soil really was on starting beds off last year I had to leave the whole thing as it was a disaster on the growing and the weeds took hold and I wasnt around.to sort. What I wouldnt do is start a bed and grow the same year - better leave it at least 6-12 months for the muck to break down and weed seeds to stay dormant. Even though I'm not a fan of carpet I have a friend who can supply used strips which are ideal to suppress the weeds around the paths especially if you havent got the time to make up paths. Clay here so when wet its a mess to walk around. I used the weed suppressant fabric and wood chips however the nasty silverweed still crawls through whereas carpet will really kill it off. Best keep to quality wool carpets over poly thats really full of chemicals plus the wool ones are really heavy.