Starting a new Perennial bed...what to do about soil??

Question

I am a beginning gardener, finally getting around to fixing up the overgrown weed-infested landscaping in our backyard. See pictures...this is the area I am working with. Basically, I dug up all the weeds, chopped and dug out some Yuccas (what a nightmare), and i am left with all this soil that has roots all over in it. I researched and ordered the plants I want there and have a design ready for when they get here.

How do I get the area actually ready to plant in? The soil has all these little root clusters in it...is that ok?

Should I dig all this soil out and replace it, or just cover with a bunch of new soil?

And since this is a big area, HOW DO I HAUL AWAY/BRING IN ENOUGH SOIL to cover this area??? I can't imagine just getting bags from a garden store, that would take so many! HELP I DON'T KNOW HOW TO PROCEED! Thanks.


http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i7/kujayhawk3eb/BackyardBefore003.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i7/kujayhawk3eb/BackyardBefore001.jpg

Answer 1

Your area looks good. The fine roots won't hurt anything, you can leave them. You should add a couple of inches of compost or composted manure over the area and dig it in. See if your city or county has a leaf composting program. If they do, you can get some delivered and use that, the more organic material you add now, the better.

Once you get your plants in, be sure to mulch the area to keep the weeds down. Place a good layer of newspaper under the mulch and you won't have any major weed problems.

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Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!

Answer 2

You don't need to do all that. You can keep your soil and then just add amendments to it. Your soil looks a bit lumpy still so if you have the means then I would suggest that you rent a small roto tiller to create a finer soil. It will also help chop up any remaining root clusters. Just be careful around the tree so that you don't damage the main roots. To amend your soil you can add things like peat, composted manure, compost, dried grass clippings and leaf litter then mix it all together with the tiller or turning it with a shovel. I would go ahead and try to get the root clusters out if you can. I don't know what they are, but many plants, grass, and weeds will regrow from the roots alone. Once you have your soil turned and amended then water it well in preparation for your new plants. That's about it. You are off to a great start.
Good Luck

Answer 3

I am in agreement with the other poster.

Another thing you can do is buy bags of compost from your local nursery. Sprinkle Osmocote slow-release flower fertilizer over the ground, and then spread the compost over the fertilizer. Water well. You can plant your flowers in the compost, their roots will grow into the ground where the tree roots are. (be sure to read the directions on the fertilizer container)

Your cleaned out area is looking very nice.

Happy gardening to you.

Answer 4

Instead of buying bagged soil, borrow a pickup truck if you don't have one, go to a landscaping store and buy a truckload of garden mix. It's cheaper and a lot easier to work with. Just back the truck up to the area and shovel it out the back.

Answer 5

the little clumps of roots are probably from the tree...get a stiff rake not the leaf rake but the heavier one......rake up all the debris and work the ground..........if you get it 6 inches deep that should take care of your needs then after you have put your bulbs in,,,,,,mulch the area..Good luck