Hi all,
I recently decided that, as I'm out of work with time on my hands and have an increasing interest in cooking and therefore fresh veg, I'm going to revive an old plot in our back garden. It's about 15ft x 11ft.
This time last year I made a half-hearted attempt to begin but studies interfered, so I'm at it again, this time for good. It was absolutely covered in weeds, waste high for the most part. I cleared it all last year, but when I came back to it a week ago it had returned. I've begun to clear it again, bit by bit, about an hour or two a day when I can.
Now, this is all very new to me and a few things have got me wondering if the plot is even still viable, so I was hoping you could offer me some help/advice. The soil seems quite heavy and clay-like. I think a lot of the weed cover was ground elder and bindweed but am not certain. There was also a LOT of bramble, which my mum was reluctant to let me remove as she uses the blackberries, but we're trying to replant it elsewhere. The first issue is that, these weeds have probably been established for a long, long time, and as I dig them up I am absolutely stunned by the extent and depth of the root network. After that many years, what is the best way to attack such an established root network?
The second issue is that the plot is surrounded by trees, most of them on my neighbour's side of the fence, including one enormous ash tree. As a result, there are some larger roots poking up through the soil that I simply don't think I'll be able to remove! Will this make it very difficult to grow anything on the plot? I'm attaching a photo to give you some idea. There's also a photo of a wheelbarrow full of the roots I removed from one tiny area of the plot, maybe some of you can identify whether they are likely tree or weed roots for the most part.
My plan was to finish strimming, keep digging and clearing the roots bit by bit, and cover it too, then perhaps start trenching/mulching early next year. Does that sound realistic or will this plot need a lot more work and preparation? I imagine the soil must be knackered!
Thanks all,
Tom