devon stew
my plot was over grown and a carpet of weeds including couch grass back in April 2010. I followed Charles` advice and had great success. I firstly covered my plot with cardboard then topped that with about 4/6″ of horse manure. I left this for about 3 months then covered the whole plot with a weed membrane and left it for another 6 months at least. By May 2011 I was growing in my raised beds. I had to weed a bit that yr but I was amazed how many weeds were gone id say 90%. the 1st years harvest was average but it has improved hugely over the last 2 growing seasons by adding council compost and more horse manure.
I found that the brambles came back a bit especially on the paths (which I topped up with more council compost). last year I weeded little and often and know Im virtually weed free bar seeds blowing in.
Im now happy with my plot and Im about to edge my raised beds this year. No dig is a great way to enjoy growing veg.
a huge thank-you to Charles