In planting my first garden last year near a tree (the only place it can
go), I discovered that it was almost impossible to dig where there were no
roots. Some of the plants still did reasonably well although I know they
were competing with the tree. This year I would like to put in a raised
bed. Should I cover the ground with something like gardeners fabric first
so the roots don't invade the raised bed? Thank you.

"Seeker" wrote in message
...
In planting my first garden last year near a tree (the only place it can
go), I discovered that it was almost impossible to dig where there were no
roots. Some of the plants still did reasonably well although I know they
were competing with the tree. This year I would like to put in a raised
bed. Should I cover the ground with something like gardeners fabric first
so the roots don't invade the raised bed? Thank you.

Tree roots are pretty strong and I would bet that gardeners fabric wouldn't
have much affect. I have my raised bed near a tree and each year dig down
to chop off the roots invading my garden.

il Sat, 15 May 2004 16:48:29 GMT, "FDR" ha scritto:


"Seeker" wrote in message
...
In planting my first garden last year near a tree (the only place it can
go), I discovered that it was almost impossible to dig where there were no
roots. Some of the plants still did reasonably well although I know they
were competing with the tree. This year I would like to put in a raised
bed. Should I cover the ground with something like gardeners fabric first
so the roots don't invade the raised bed? Thank you.

Tree roots are pretty strong and I would bet that gardeners fabric wouldn't
have much affect. I have my raised bed near a tree and each year dig down
to chop off the roots invading my garden.

I read a reference to this and I believe a barrier was put in, but
what sort it didn't mention. Maybe both weed mat and stones bricks or
old iron may be good.
--
Cheers,
Loki [ Brevity is the soul of wit. W.Shakespeare ]

Hi Seeker,

This year I would like to put in a raised
bed. Should I cover the ground with something like gardeners fabric
first
so the roots don't invade the raised bed?

By doing this you will stress the tree by supress air movement to the
tree feeder root.

I will suggest using some large containers, put three stones under
each container to allow air movement and avoid the tree root to invade
into the containers.

Sorry for my bad English. :-)

Regards,
Wong

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