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When it all gets a bit a struggle

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2019 1:34 pm
by Primrose
I started trying to weed my vegetable plot today and found I just couldn't raise the energy due to ongoing physical issues.

I m loath to give it up but I need some strategies to keep it going with less physical effort.
I do have another border where I grow tomatoes, climbing bens and salad crops which I intend to keep going as long as possible as these are my staple items.

Any hints from anybody else who has had similar problems?

I could grass part of it over once existing leeks and garlic have finished and reincorporate it Into the with existing lawn for ease of maintenance but wonder whether a ground covering crop like winter squash would at least save me some summer weeding? What I really need is a strategy for suppressing the weeds and reducing maintenance.

Raised beds are not on my agenda.

Re: When it all gets a bit a struggle

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2019 1:43 pm
by oldherbaceous
I know it would be a biggish job to start with Primrose but, could you put a good quality ground fabric down and top with a small grade bark! Then if you ever want, you could cut a small hole through the fabric and still plant a few things.

Re: When it all gets a bit a struggle

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2019 3:56 pm
by robo
I grow through cardboard ,it keeps weeds at bay rots down over the year and makes a decent compost ,I must admit mine does not look great but it is on the plot I'm sure if you fitted it neater it would look a lot better

Re: When it all gets a bit a struggle

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2019 9:43 pm
by peter
I find the weeds grow through squash unless you use membrane and plant through holes.
Membrane needs weights to keep it on the ground, I use metal poles rolled up in each end, pallets dotted around the 10m.length and strips of old carpet along the edges.

Re: When it all gets a bit a struggle

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2019 10:59 am
by retropants
my dad fitted a trowel to the end of a broom handle for my mum, so that she can still weed when her neck is bothering her. She digs them up ( standing the whole time) and shoos them out of the way with the end of the trowel to be picked up later.

Re: When it all gets a bit a struggle

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2019 12:36 pm
by robo
I used to fit a 2inch paint scrapper to a long brush steel ,I found the sharp thin blade of the scrapper was far more effective than a hoe.

Re: When it all gets a bit a struggle

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2019 1:33 pm
by Stephen
Hi Primrose
I'm sorry to hear of your low energy levels.
From your description it is tiredness not bending which is a problem, so energy sapping activity like digging is the challenge rather than weeding or picking. I guess endurance is an issue but can you manage spurts of activity?
(BTW: I have learnt that the "no dig" method of Charles Dowding is not any less physically demanding that traditional cultivation in soil)

Do you think the answer lies in different tools or a different style of gardening?

Re: When it all gets a bit a struggle

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 4:12 pm
by Diane
I sympathize.....I have done away with two of our borders altogether and just squished everything together. It's a big relief to me and more manageable.