Help - problem clearing roots

Tue, 03/02/2009 - 21:10 — cazzabean

Hi, I have just got my new allotment and set about digging it over this weekend, 5 hours later I have an area about 3m by 1.5m dug over - the problem is that it was cleared by the council but all they cleared was the surface, underneath there is a huge network of roots some of them up to 3inches thick.

I've read all the books about digging over, where you dig a trench and then fork the earth over into it. However, I can't even get my spade into the soil before hitting the roots. Has anyone get any suggestions as to how to speed up the process or do it more efficiently other than just keep going digging for hours on end??

Thanks

Caroline

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Roots

Flat Cap Mad Posted at 09:27 on Wed, 02/04/2009

This is the problem that all allotmenteers have to start I think. There is chemicals out there to help but using them and it not affecting your future crops can be just as time consuming as the dredded digging. Rotavators can be hired but i found they tend just to chop everything up so you end up with lots of little weeds rather than fewer large ones. I have found digging the best option, rather than trenching try digging in smaller clumps as you will find it easier to get your fork in. A little water/rain also helps if the soil has been compacted over a long period but try not to walk on it after it's dug as you'll compact it back down. Use a wide plank/pallette to stand on as this will spread your wait and not damage the soil in the process. One great tip which seems to work well if you have dandelion roots very deep that break off is to sprinkle them with salt and then they die. Happy digging. ;~)