How do you fix a garden that's being overrun by stuff that's been planted in the past?

Question

I've been trying to fix up my garden, but it seems like the old stuff keeps growing back.

The culprits are those furry leaves that look like rabbit ears, and there's also some wildflowers. They keep coming back (big-time).

How do I renovate the garden so I can start over fresh? It's in-between my patio and the surrounding fence. It's in an L-shape, wrapped around the patio. I'd say it's about 18' long, by 2' wide.

And if I have to dig all the old stuff up... how deep do I have to go? And how would I get rid of the dirt, and find new dirt to replace it?

Answer 1

You can either dig every thing up and hope you get all the roots or you can "nuke" it. I see that it's not that big of an area. Go to the store and buy some brush/vegatation killer and spray the area you want to plant in. If you have pets that you need to keep out of there just buy a few of those green metal posts and run some chicken wire. Once it is all dead you will need to dig up any deep roots and then till the area. If you don't have a tiller you can just turn the soil with a shovel. I would suggest that you "double" dig the area. This will ensure that you get deep enough to promote good root growth and to be able to remove the stuff you want to get rid of. You will want to read the label on the stuff you spray. You will want to use something that will let you replant according to your needs. When thats all done you should add some peatmoss and till or turn it in with a shovel. Then design what you want planted there, whether shady or sun and plant away. Good luck.

Answer 2

There is no easy way. You just need to keep digging and weeding until it'll stop. :) Well, that rabbit ears you were talking about actually is Rams Ear, I think. I got some in my garden and they are quite tough. You have to dig them all with roots which isn't grow deeply, but grow wide like Bamboo. Try not to leave any roots in the soil as much as you can. After you clear the 'unwanted plants' from your yard as much as you can, I would add new garden soil and plant something you want, then top with mulch. Mulching prevents weed or other plants to germinate, since they will be under a deep layer of garden soil and mulch, they won't get sunshine. This usually works and I hope it'll work on your garden, too. I don't think you need to get rif of your dirt(not sure how anyway...) and new garden soil is easy to find in your yellow page, under Landscape Supplies.

Answer 3

Well I've read about a method that you can use in the summer. You cover the soil with black plastic (it has to be thick enough to completely prevent sun from reaching the soil) and the heat should kill most of the vegetation. When I had a lawn put in they just killed everything off with weed killer. So you have an organic method or the easy way. I think the landscaper used Round Up. He was able to lay sod the following day with no adverse affect.

Answer 4

Dig the plants up with a garden fork so that you can see that you have got all the root.. Get them before they seed - could be a bit late now.

The burn mentioned above is excellent.

I put my perennials on the sidewalk with a "Free to a good home" sign. Gone in an hour.

Answer 5

Yes, you are definatly going to have to till or dig up the area and get all of the roots out and start over. Be sure to get all the roots out, but you don't need to replace the dirt.

Answer 6

I am with Reynwater on this one, register with your local freecycle group and advertise the plants for free and state they will have to do the digging. You will get plenty of keen gardeners interested and maybe free advice as well.

Answer 7

I recommend simply ROTO-TILLING the entire area and then, for 10 days (or so many, depending upon the amount of direct sunlight you get) "thermo-cook" the area.
I used a thin sheet of black plastic to cover the area in my yard that was my sister's Corn garden (4-H) 35 years ago.
There were actually corn crops still growing in my yard! - Granted, quite smaller, but I could still harvest a few tiny cobs in my yard!

Answer 8

If you could identify the perennials I might be willing to pay postage when you dig them up, send them to me.

Offer them to the community - you want em, you dig em, free. Everyone loves free.

If you don't want to save their lives, RoundUp, then till when they're dead.

Lowes, HomeyD sell manure, always a good amendment, then add other good stuff as your soil requires.

good luck, have fun -- what are you planting in their place? bet it will be beautiful.

Answer 9

well I think you should dig out the old stuff that is coming back and I would dig at least 6 inches and make sure you dig up all the old roots.

Answer 10

pull em out by the root, after it rains or water to make it easier