What to do with garden bed full of sand and roots?

[bec_engee]

I'd like to create trench compost in these raised garden beds of my rental, but it looks like it's filled with sand and hugely thick roots. I can't tell where they're coming from, but I can barely dig at all the get rid of the sand. Any ideas on how to empty this bed?

[EricL]

Hello @bec_engee 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your garden bed.

It's one of those questions like how far does it go, and will I keep digging? It could be full of roots, or it may be just at the surface level. There is no way to tell unless you start digging deeper into the garden bed. It all depends on how much effort you are willing to spend on this project. If you get lucky the roots might be just at the surface, you can then proceed with your trench compost project. But if the roots are entwined and much more interconnected, then it will be a much more difficult task. 

If you are very keen to transform this garden bed, I suggest using Mumme 1800mm Pit Bar, it's sharp end will help in cutting the roots in the soil. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[bec_engee]

Thanks very much Eric! Is the pit bar like a vertical axe?

Reckon I can mix some of that sand in with compost so I don't have to chuck it all out?

I'll get some mesh to prevent roots growing in the bed again if needed. 

[EricL]

Hi @bec_engee 

Yes, the pit bar allows you to lift the bar up high above your shoulders and you drop it down into the root itself. It has more control on the drop when compared to an axe. Mixing the sand with the compost is perfectly fine and your idea of using mesh to prevent future root growth is a good idea.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric