carolynsuelee
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Reclaiming a neglected (3 years) raised flower garden!

I have a raised (18")flower bed which I've been unable to take care of for over 3 years, due to back surgery & a slow rehab. Most of the plants died,except for the hosta & a couple of sedum plants. It is overgrown with well-rooted weeds of many kinds.
I want to add row of retainer wall blocks, about 6 inches tall, around the bed and add more GOOD soil. BUT I know I'll have to get rid of the weeds, complete with their roots, or I will keep having this problem.
Is there a weed-killer that I can use that will eliminate roots & all without remaining in the soil and affecting the new soil (& plants)?
Also--is there any organization in my area that would possibly help me find someone to help with this? I'm a widow, 74, and since the back surgery 3 years ago--I have physical limitations. I am now able to do many things, but there are still lot of "Nope--not going to happen" times.
Any info would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks
Sue Lee

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applestar
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I don’t do much heavy lifting or digging anymore either.

Since this is your own flower bed and you know which plants you want to save, I think the easiest method would be to lift those plants first, although the later-emerging hosta might be a problem in winter/early spring unless there are dead leaves to show where they are.

Many weed killers are best applied when the weeds are in active growth, so they will absorb the chemical. Anything that will kill them in the soil are likely to obstruct/poison future plantings in the flower bed.

I think immediate action would be to heavily cardboard the weedy part of the bed — this will smother any weed seeds trying to grow, and weeds trying to re-emerge when the ground thaws. Cut any standing weeds to the ground with loppers or saw if necessary and leave the dead debris under the cardboard to decay and become part of the soil — the debris should be spread evenly. BUT if you suspect diseased plants, then any dead plant material should be removed, bagged, and put in the trash if possible (or use your local yard waste collection method).

For the time being, you can leave the hosta and sedum sections uncovered, but spread any soil mineral amendments (lime, phosphate, etc.) and composted manure, etc. UNDERNEATH/BEFORE putting down the cardboard. Personally, I would just lay bags of mulch on top of the cardboard to weigh down until spring — mulch to be used later after all the work is finished.

Once the ground thaws and temperature is warmed up enough to work on the retainer wall — which would require clearing and digging out the surrounding edge of the bed — the weeds along the border of the cardboard can be dug out in the process, and the desirable plants can be lifted and temporarily preserved (I like putting the rootball in tripled plastic grocery bags for temporary storage). Then lay the additional wall blocks, and maybe lay another layer of cardboard. Then the thoroughly cardboarded bed should be watered well to soak the cardboard.

The addition of 6 inches of good weed-free raised bed soil on top should be sufficient to support the sedum and hosta if holes are cut into the cardboard for their roots. You could plant shallower rooted bedding annuals in the 6 inches to enjoy the rest of the flower bed for this season. You could also set down container plants nestled in the soil and mulch.

By next year, existing weeds will be smothered and the cardboard should be on their way to breaking down into the soil. Usually, earthworms will have gathered and will have had a big party in there, helping to loosen up and invigorate the soil.
— if there are REALLY aggressive perennial weeds in there, they might survive being smothered for the year, or they might find their way to the holes for the sedum and hosta, but you could keep cutting them to the ground to weaken them — no leaves, no photosynthesis, and they will use up their root-stored energy.


...I couldn’t tell you if there are any organizations... I suppose though, for this much work, you could hire neighborhood teens or a local handyman. They would need to be supervised about which plants to keep and how to lift them, but otherwise should be able to do the work?

SQWIB
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I agree with Apple and I'm sorry it took so long for you to get an answer.
I would layers some cardboard, put your border down and start a lasagna type garden, leaves, compost, old potting mix, some shredded paper, old plants, whatever you have.
You can even dump in your kitchen waste and cover up with some black Kow or something.
Just keep layering.

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applestar
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Ah, I didn’t notice this thread was posted back in September. I must have missed it back then. It had been resurrected this morning. I hope the OP gets to see our replies.

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Gary350
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Location: TN. 50 years of gardening experience.

carolynsuelee wrote:I have a raised (18")flower bed which I've been unable to take care of for over 3 years, due to back surgery & a slow rehab. Most of the plants died,except for the hosta & a couple of sedum plants. It is overgrown with well-rooted weeds of many kinds.
I want to add row of retainer wall blocks, about 6 inches tall, around the bed and add more GOOD soil. BUT I know I'll have to get rid of the weeds, complete with their roots, or I will keep having this problem.
Is there a weed-killer that I can use that will eliminate roots & all without remaining in the soil and affecting the new soil (& plants)?
Also--is there any organization in my area that would possibly help me find someone to help with this? I'm a widow, 74, and since the back surgery 3 years ago--I have physical limitations. I am now able to do many things, but there are still lot of "Nope--not going to happen" times.
Any info would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks
Sue Lee
Ask at your local senior center they often have a list of lawn services they recommend. Talk to several lawn services, don't be afraid to ask too may question make sure you know what your getting before you decide to do business with them. Craigslist has lawn service so does Facebook Market place. NEVER pay money in advance. Get a price quote in writing with a date from several places. If someone wants extra money after job is finished call the police. Never give anyone a blank check by paying as they work they can make the job last as long as they want. NEVER hire someone that has several other jobs already if they only come to your house once every 2 weeks it may take 2 or 3 months to finish the job. Never buy material make the lawn service provide all the material but make sure you know the price of material go to Lowe's and Home Depot check prices make sure Lawn Service don't buy material then double the prices. It is best to know brick prices before talking to a Lawn service if they tell you bricks are $4 each and you already know they are $2 each don't do business with them. If Lawn service argue over price of bricks, WE have to get them and haul them to your house, 1 hour extra labor pays for hauling bricks not double prices of brick. Talk to people at Church many of them already know which lawn service is best.

I have been trying to get a 50 tree trimmers smaller we want to keep some shade for the patio. Several tree services I talked to in July said, it will kill the tree to trim in hot weather but a few companies keep their mouth shut they want your money they don't tell you trimming in hot weather will kill the tree. Winter comes I call several tree services in Nov they all claim they will come but cancel over and over for 3 months. They make enough money in nice weather they want a 6 month vacation in bad winter weather.



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