There is definitely a divide with gardeners/allotment members when it comes to using weedkillers. Chemicals can be dangerous to the environment including pets and wildlife. If weedkillers are not used properly, it can damage your own crops as well as neighbouring plots on the allotment. The pathways between plots have to be managed & maintained by plot holders, so having good communication with your neighbours is essential. Weedkiller on pathways looks really unsightly . To keep our pathways like a greenspace the best way to do this is to cut the grass with garden shears, otherwise put down weed suppressant over the grass to keep it under control. Weedkiller damage can occur in different ways, from drift when spray is applied during windy conditions. Leaching of residual weedkillers into adjacent beds. Also when the application of weedkiller is exceeded and has penetrated deeper into the soil. If you need to use weed killer as a last resort then glyphosate is acceptable. I think we have a duty to discuss this with neighbouring plot members especially if you want to apply weedkiller to pathways between plots, If you have to use weedkiller follow the instructions on the product label & apply weedkiller at the stated rate. it is a legal requirement to comply with the statutory conditions indicated on the label. Weeds can also be controlled by good cultivation techniques such as hoeing, mulching , digging ,which is a big part of allotment gardening
Blog by Mark Burton (Allotment Secretary
