I've just joined, so this is my first posting. Hi!

We have a 2000 sq yard field in Korea. House-building on one third of it takes place next year.

While house-building goes on, how can I keep weeds under control - till garden-building starts in 2007?

This year I used a motor brush-cutter because in the previous year the weeds have been held in check by chemicals applied (unfortunately) by the previous owner.

I want to avoid chemicals unless you suggest one which will not be bad for the soil, as we want to lay a nice garden after the house is built. One of your posters suggested vinegar.

I won't have time to plant a cover crop, but could use the brush-cutter a few times. I don't want the roots of things like bamboo and eulalia (already present) to spread too much. Maybe in 2007 I should just whack down a load of new topsoil over everything. But the present soil is good (Ph 5-7) as the field was a persimmon orchard.

So, how to deal with the weeds over the next year and should I cover everything with topsoil in 2007?

Many thanks

Garden-builder