Non-Standard Garden Area Prep Questions

Hi All,

I'm new to gardening, but I really want to start growing my own food given the state of phude (food-like substance) purchased from the stores.

However, I'm new to gardening - and I mean new.

I have two plot areas that I want to set up as initial gardens.  The first is former flower bed between the house and the walkway.  However, it has some previous plants with very deep roots.  What is the most efficient and effective way to remove those roots so they don't become a problem later?  Can I just dig most of the root up and then cover the surface with the anti-weed black mesh and never worry about the roots again?

The second plot is actually a hill area in my backyard that rises about 40 degrees.  It also has some deep roots and foliage, but I will use the same principles outlined in answers to question to deal with that condition.

Thanks in advance for the help.

SFGFTW, Welcome to the Forum from Central Cal. You have two different area to deal with.

For the area between the walkway and the house, if you have a situation where the plants will not come back up if you remove the major roots, then you can cover with weed fabric and set down your beds. However, don't put the beds near the foundation of the house or you may encourage termites which will cost you $$$. Always keep the foundation clean and dry. Leave enough room to pull up any weeds that may grow between the box and house. Leaving a 2' space will allow you to tend to the plants and harvest.

For the hill, I would go straight to table tops. Set a row of bricks or pavers on the up hill edge and attach legs the proper length to level the box on the down hill side. Set the legs on pavers. One of our members had a steep slope in the front yard and he did it with great success. I wish I could remember his name so I could post a link.

Here's how one of my beds was made. https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t22272-sanderson-s-table-top-beds

Crickets.  Does anyone else have any suggestions?

sanderson wrote:SFGFTW, Welcome to the Forum from Central Cal. You have two different area to deal with.

For the area between the walkway and the house, if you have a situation where the plants will not come back up if you remove the major roots, then you can cover with weed fabric and set down your beds. However, don't put the beds near the foundation of the house or you may encourage termites which will cost you $$$. Always keep the foundation clean and dry. Leave enough room to pull up any weeds that may grow between the box and house. Leaving a 2' space will allow you to tend to the plants and harvest.

For the hill, I would go straight to table tops. Set a row of bricks or pavers on the up hill edge and attach legs the proper length to level the box on the down hill side. Set the legs on pavers. One of our members had a steep slope in the front yard and he did it with great success. I wish I could remember his name so I could post a link.

Here's how one of my beds was made. https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t22272-sanderson-s-table-top-beds

Thanks for the input - especially about staying at least 2" away from the house to avoid termites. That problem would've "bit me." Get it? Ha ha. Seriously, though, that wasn't even on my radar. By "pavers," I think you mean a cement "brick-like" platform upon which the leg can rest instead of on dirt. The hill is about 6' high. Would two levels work out well? I envision space to work the garden being from base of the hill to the top of the hill with no space between the two tables from the bottom to the top of the hill. However, If I do two levels I will have to check and see how much sun gets blocked on the lower level.

I'm on a road trip so I don't have access to any photos.  I'm envisioning 4'x4' beds with separation between them on all sides for ease of access all  around each.  Cement bricks or 6"x12" or 12"x12" to set the upper edge of the box and the down-hill legs.  Which direction does the hill face?  If south, and with a 40 degree slope, there will be no problem with sun exposure.  Mel recommended 3' between beds in all directions.