Firm ground for brassicas

[shirlthegirl43]

We cut down a lot of conifers at the back of our garden and now there are a lot of roots left in the ground and I am having real trouble trying to dig them out. I expect they will come out or rot down in time. However, I need some space to plant out brussel sprouts and cabbages and wondered if I could make holes with a bulb planter and put the young plants in? The ground is nice and firm which I thought would suit them but would there be any problems with the tree roots? thank you oh wise and helpful grapes [bow down smiley]

[Cutecumber]

I wonder if there's much nutrient in the soil, having had the trees there recently, and what PH it might be.

[shirlthegirl43]

Hadn't thought of that. Trees were cut down in March/April and the rest of the soil up there is really lovely rich loam. Must go look out my soil testing kit.

[Flummery]

I think you'd still need to make sure the ground was souped up a bit - the cabbage family are gross feeders (sounds like poor table manners doesn't it?)

[shirlthegirl43]

Thanks Flum, was going to stick some chicken manure pellets in the bottom of each planting hole and feed with seaweed stuff after. I think I am just going to have to give it a go. The bramble patch is having such a severe digging over it would take a week of stamping on it to firm it up enough to plant brassicas so I am planting root things there this year.

I was wondering more if the roots of the trees would get in the way of the developing brassica roots.

[terrier]

The area that I grew red cabbage in last year is full of plum tree roots from live trees. The cabbages grew to a good size with no trouble. The fact you have roots in the ground will probably help to anchor the brassicas down. I would be more worried about the condition (Ph) of the soil.

[shirlthegirl43]

Thanks Terrier, will check the ph before I plant them.

[Sebbster]

Have you checked it Shirley ? I would expect you need to add some lime but the pH test will tell you that.....

[shirlthegirl43]

LOL, keep forgetting to buy a refill thingy for my ph test kit. Have now stuck a few growbags on the area with the outdoor cucumbers in them.