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Soil after cupressus removal

janhebbjanhebb Posts: 3
in Problem solving
I have just removed 100ft of cupressus trees (with help and a tractor!) and want to create an herbaceous border next year. The soil is very poor and in need of TLC. Would a green manure sown now (August) and dug in over the winter be helpful? The bed is long and narrow - 17m x 1m.
I should add that I am a new, covid-inspired gardener!

Thank you

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Loads of well-rotted manure or other bulky soil improver would be better if you can get it. It would need a lot for a 100ft long border even though it's very narrow so the green manure would be good if you can't get it. For a classic herbaceous border you might want to think about making it wider if you can, but see how you go when you start planning what plants you want there. I am sorely envious and would love to have the space for something like that 🙂.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    edited August 2020
    It depends what you want to grow, you could choose a palette of plants which tolerate (or even appreciate) poor soil - https://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/home-garden/gardening/advice-tips/planting/plants-that-do-well-on-poor-soil

    Most of those will still appreciate the green manure you would be adding though. 
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I did exactly the same, removed a 100’ row of 30year old conifers.
    assuming you’ve got all the stumps out, we put a tub of chicken pellets on then piled a load of compost on top.heres the result in its 1st year.  Preparation is the thing, get all your seeds sown and cuttings going the year before so you have pot sized plants ready to go in.  
    27th May.


    10th July same year.







    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • janhebbjanhebb Posts: 3
    Wow what a lovely border and what a view! I am inspired - thank you
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