Oh the weeds!!!!

On Thursday I decided to delay going to the plot until the afternoon but then got delayed so arrived after 3pm. On the way I had collected grass cuttings and garden refuse in huge bags from a couple of neighbours. Some of the grass cuttings were deposited next to the potatoes ready to mulch them when the earthing up is complete but the bulk went into the compost bin so I need to add some horse litter or, better still, some part composted leaves to balance the green/brown materials.
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I then spent the rest of the time sorting out the weeds in the roots bed at the far end of my plot. Hoeing off the young weeds on the part waiting to be sown with new crops was easy but my onion patch had been neglected and the weeds had taken hold. Onions don't cope well with competition from weeds so it is important to keep them clear.

As can be seen in the photo the last row of onion sets I planted were still reasonably clear of weeds but they were well established between the other rows. The shallots on the left were not too bad as I had run the hoe between the rows a few weeks back but the rows on the right were thick with weeds.

I had to hoe between the rows and rake out the debris with a three pronged cultivator before I could go over the rows a second time clearing the weeds from between the onions themselves. It was really hard work and reminded me I should have used my hoe more often. They say hoeing should be done before the weeds appear and I have just shown why! Hoeing also creates a dust layer which helps keep the moisture in the soil.

I went home very late, without any crops, but feeling pleased that things have improved and look tidy and the onions can grow on without competition.

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