getting rid of grass

./././/././/.///...

 

Why didn`t taking out squares work? This is what you should do. You then stack the squares so as they will rot down and give you some fresh, clean loam to go back on the garden.

 

If you just take the grass out, then yes, bin it. If you ever take turves ( squares ) out though, stack them grass side down and they will turn into very good loam. Just had a thought, do you have a compost bin?

 

You've two main options.

1 - Cut off the turf and stack and rot it and then dig over the sub-turf with a garden fork prior to re-seeding. It will take at least a year to rot properly but it's worth waiting for as has Dai's pointed out rotted turf is great for your garden. If you cover the heap of turf with black plastic it helps rotting and prevents sprouting.

2 - Double dig with a spade and bury the turf in the trench. If you bury about 18" deep it won't regrow unless you've got couch grass in the lawn turf. Hard work but worth the effort in the long run.

Final thought -
A pitch fork is for gathering hay, a garden fork for loosening soil and aeriating soil and a spade for digging and turning over soil. In your situation you really need to use a spade first.