Grow Your Own Magazine

Hi guys,

I've got a fair old chuck of the veggie plot that's quite dry because tree roots are sucking up the water. This means that I can't grow things like onions, garlic, tatties, courgettes - things that need a fair amount of water for their growth. Although it's under trees, shade isn't a major problem and it gets a good amount of sun from mid-morning onwards.

Any ideas for what would grow (or even thrive) in such conditions?

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Dwell simply ~ love richly

I have a corner like that, it's got my compost bin in it, but i'll be interested, as i may move it somewhere else

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sometimes i do talk complete and utter rubbish ...... just ignore me if i do ........i'll go away eventually

http://teachy.myminicity.com/

Perhaps you could use the space to grow things in planters- I've covered quite a lot of my patio area like this. Haven't had to use any anti-slug measures for them either- they don't seem to want to climb up dry rough wood. If it's a bit shady too due to overhanging trees, it could bean ideal salad area.

Or put chickens on it! (sorry, only hade mine a week, I've gone a bit chicken-crazy)

try making a raised bed

LOL can't keep the chickens out and they are all raised beds anyway... I think planters would need as much watering as the dry beds...

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Dwell simply ~ love richly

Mediteranean type herbs? Thyme, rosemary, lavender, oregano etc. That's what I've planted in a bed under my window at home, which is a really dry spot, and they all seem to be thriving.

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Sarah

“Tell me one last thing,” said Harry. “Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?”
“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”

Birdie wife - your patch sounds like my whole garden!

Is it actually shaded or just dry?

My roots do well in the dry, light soil - how about carrots?

Planters 'might' need as much watering - but at least it will be the containers and not the tree sucking the water delivered.

The tree will only get the drain-away.

You may be surprised and there could well be less watering in the long run as the area will be sheltered b ythe tree overhang and perhaps not be so sun-baked.

Just a thought?

These site have a few suggestions for plants that tolerate drier conditions - some of them refer to drought as in long hot summers, but even so some of the plant suggestions may still be suitable. One of the problems may be root competition as e.g. carrots is a suggestion, but would they go nobbly if there are tree roots in the way? For me, herbs would be the way to go, or use it as an excuse to stick in some ornamentals for the bees

Royal Horticultural Society - Advice: Water - Drought-Resisting Plants
Bring on the Drought Resistant Vegetables©
Save Water in the garden
Simple Xeriscaping Techniques for the Home Vegetable Garden - Associated Content

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Warning: I have a dangerous tendency to act like I know what I'm talking about.

That's true - hadn't thought of that. Might be worth a go - actually next door have said I can lift the old bath that's mouldering away outside their house, would be perfect for that situation. If I can lift it!!! It's quite heavy...

Demeter - thanks for those website articles, some really good advice in there.

Thanks everyone!

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Dwell simply ~ love richly