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Easiest way to dig a border

amberspyamberspy Posts: 382
in Problem solving

Hi guys on my annual leave in two wks time for three weeks ????And with patio done and fence repaint nearly done I need start dig out beds to start planting 

I did the front garden last year but as this is very small I just went do my knees and cutted grass out then turn soil over this didn't take long about a day and easier for my back as I suffer from scoliosis and can be painful

but with back garden it larger and also a new build there be lot rubbish under the soil I expect as old houses were knocked down and replaced so ground seems lot harder so need best way to get sides of grass of etc 

 

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,088

    You can hire a turf stripper from good DIY stores.  That will cut the grass off at the roots and leave lines you can roll up or cut up and stack in a corner to break down.  It makes excellent soil for planting in later.  However that still leaves you with the problem of digging over the bed and removing any rubble you find so ask about hiring a rotavator or tiller too.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Could you ask around to see if there are any nice, strong, young men willing to graft a bit in return for a little cash or a few beers? 

     The turf stripping is something you could do yourself, as Obelixx describes, but it would save you doing the digging, which would probably be the worst bit for you.image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845

    We hired a rotavator for the weekend?

    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    Both a turf cutter and a rotovator could cause problems to someone who has back problems - not only are they a bit heavy and unwieldy but the vibration may not be good. Best bet is to find a local person to do the hard labour. Even hiring the equipment for them to use. were you thinking of lifting the grass at the back or only enough for flower beds? If the latter, then someone should be able to do it by hand. What you're looking for is a jobbing gardener or a fit young teenager!

    Last edited: 19 March 2017 17:06:15

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Fairygirl

    Today at 12:10

    Could you ask around to see if there are any nice, strong, young men willing to graft a bit in return for a little cash or a few beers? 

    Any excuse. 

    Devon.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hostafan1 says:
     

    Any excuse. 

    See original post

     image 

    You saw through my cunning plan  Hosta....image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • amberspyamberspy Posts: 382

    Thanks guys ??

    though I have back problems I can sit on knees for while as quite fit apart from my back but it take to long doing this way so I've called my brother who going help hubby dig it out ,I didn't ask hubby before as aware he hates gardening apart from cutting grass so I said if they do it in april I supply teas fried breakfast and snacks to keep them going then treat to lovely Easter roast with drinks as a treat they couldnt say no ??can't wait now hopefully we have dry weather but we in Scotland so u never know 

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,088

    Good planning.   Try and hire the machinery anyway as it will make the job eaiser and boys love toys.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    Its not really worth hiring machinery if they are only cutting borders in the grass - unless of course the garden is huge! The poster did say it was a new build and they are not renowned for large gardens. 

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • amberspyamberspy Posts: 382
    hogweed says:

    Its not really worth hiring machinery if they are only cutting borders in the grass - unless of course the garden is huge! The poster did say it was a new build and they are not renowned for large gardens. 

    See original post

     Yeah your right it's not huge garden we just had Indian sandstone curved patio layed In January so lawn is about 40 square metres or so ,so not large area 

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