Turning sod over for new border

Discussion in 'Gardening Discussions' started by Linz, Sep 16, 2016.

  1. Linz

    Linz Total Gardener

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    I've started digging up my lawn for borders.. am I right in turning the sod over and leaving it for a few weeks (months!?) or should I chuck it and fill with new compost so I can plant straight away?
    My spade is shite and I think I'm going way too deep so pulling/whacking /shaking soil off the clumps is taking forever that's when I had the idea to flip it. Any advice welcome, cheers.
     
  2. "M"

    "M" Total Gardener

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    Is it weedy? If there are perennial weeds in the sod then I wouldn't use it. Otherwise, especially this time of year, I would turn it and leave it be over the winter and then plant.

    Other GC members may have different ideas ;)
     
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    • Linz

      Linz Total Gardener

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      No, no weeds :smile: it's really not that bad of a lawn if I may say so, might have a bit of Moss/clover in there but nothing nasty, except past the back fence but I keep on top of anything trying to come through.
       
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      • "M"

        "M" Total Gardener

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        Sounds good for turning then :blue thumb:
         
      • Phil A

        Phil A Guest

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        You could double dig it to be sure.
         
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        • "M"

          "M" Total Gardener

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          Think Linz may be already ;) :heehee:
           
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          • Linz

            Linz Total Gardener

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            I wouldn't say double more like a 1.5 dig?! I've got the clumps up then dug underneath then chucked them back on top.
            I'll get out there and take a pic.. I think it needs to go wider too..:scratch: 14741160069201988213961.jpg
             
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            • "M"

              "M" Total Gardener

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              Lot of hard work you've done there :blue thumb:
              Go as wide as you dare - or rather as wide as you can reach, unless you plan to have the odd stepping stone or three so you can really get in there to the plants you can't reach :heehee:. Plants can very quickly outgrow narrow borders @Linz and as you seem to have quite a passion for plants, give yourself permission to go as wide as you dare! :thumbsup:
               
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              • Scrungee

                Scrungee Well known for it

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                Double digging is a bit of a disaster round here for those that follow that advice and only have around a 6" depth of topsoil above a massive depth of pure clay.
                 
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                • Linz

                  Linz Total Gardener

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                  Thanks M, I'll make it wider :dbgrtmb: don't want to lose too much lawn though..kiddies like to run about! Sorted my shed out today instead ha!

                  No clay thankfully but a lot of rubble, previous people threw stones in off the railway banking to level it where I'm digging.. Finding coal beans too :doh:
                   
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