Clearing allotment

[paul243]

We've recently taken over an overgrown allotment of 120 square metres.
It's very overgrown with a variety of weeds etc, including couch grass.
We did manage to dig out a large Pampass grass but are unsure how to approach clearing the plot with a view to planting veg etc next spring.
I'm leaning towards applying weedkiller now,(I have a supply of roundup),covering the plot with a weed control membrane and rotavating in the spring.
Will that work?
Any labour saving suggestions welcome!
Thanks

 

[r896neo]

I would spray now to try and deal with the couch in particular. Then be inclined to use the no dig method over winter. Cardboard/straw covered with a thick layer of rotted manure will get you well on the way to an excellent start in spring.

Have a read about 'no dig' allotments

 

[blightymam]

I found weedkiller didn't work so well this time of year but much better in the spring. I took mine on this time of year too, I just dug over 3 areas, covered them and then had somewhere to plant early spring while I dug up or weedkiller worked on the rest. I think the most important tip I can think of, from watching other plot holders, is to never rotavate until you are sure the weeds are dead - couch grass, bindweed and a few others will all grow again from the smallest bit of cut up root, making the problem a lot worse in the long run.

Oh, and it's not too late to plant winter onions and garlic if you want to grow something straight away

 

[Mursal]

If to late for weedkiller (you need things to be growing to take Roundup in) consider using a hired petrol strimmer. It will make a world of difference and allow you to see whats what.