Q.How To Decompose Years Of Plant Roots Left In 4’x4’ Raised Vegetable Bed
Options?? 1) shovel out the old root-filled material and start all over with new/5-6 sacks of planting soil?? OR, Someone suggested 2) I could just pour in 3-5 inches Of compost Or Worm castings 3) Then plant seedlings directly into the top 3” of either material?? (I.e., The underlying roots would eventually Degrade with soil warmth and microbes )?? Thank you so much for your time…
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
You don't say how deep the bed is but if it's 2 feet or less, I suggest starting over with new soil. That way, if the previous plants had any kind of disease or if the soil was contaminated, you would have a fresh start. Plus, that soil is probably compacted. Be sure to use soil for raised beds, plus compost, not garden soil, which could contain contaminants.
If it's deeper than 2 feet, you could just replace the top 2 feet. Your vegetable plant roots probably won't go further than 2 feet.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/raised-bed-soil-depth.htm
