Water and nutrient retention

[Cranford Steve]

As alot of you know I have my veg patch growing near "CONIFERS" I wish I could move it but I cant! Any ideas on how to keep the water and nutrients in the soil for the veg?

[Glutton4...]

Raised beds? I would add as much organic matter as you can, and gradually build up the level of your beds, so they are above the tree roots. My Folks' veg garden is bordered by Leylandii on two sides, and the roots are a real pain, as they come up through the membrane and into the beds.

You could try digging a trench along between the trees and your patch, severing as many of the large roots as you can (chainsaw?), as this should make a difference. The darn trees will still live.

[Cranford Steve]

Cheers, Glutton4!

[Snadger]

Or you could move house........................

[veggiechicken]

Or build a very raised bed, on stilts, to the height of the trees. Or hanging baskets from the tops.

[Glutton4...]

Cheers, Glutton4!

No probs, mate. You'll still need to water well, as the bl**dy trees will keep the soil dry. Ours are useful, as they shelter the northern side, which is open and flat for a few miles in that direction. However, they also give the bl**dy pigeons somewhere to hide.

[Thelma Sanders]

The beds in my garden are the same.
In spring I cut the roots on the hedge side, but by the next spring they are back again! The roots grow as quick as the hedge top does

You just have to feed and water twice as much as you think you should, cos the hedge will be taking half no way around it I'm afraid *sigh*