I have to do something about my jungle

[Debbiethemum]

I hope some of you guys will be able to help, we are just coming up to the second summer in this house with a challenging garden. So I know what I want to keep in the main part but it is the bit that will become my very shady vegetable patch and the 60 degree slope that I am stuck on.

So first question. My future veg patch was half dug over last year (I cleared 3/4 of it) so will be either waist or shoulder high full of weeds including bindweed. What can I use to clear it? that doesn't use too many harmful chemicals. Though if I have to I will. The plan is to try and kill all the weeds and dig it over so I can use it properly next, though I may plant something late if I can find the time.

Second question. I have a very steep slope on one side of the garden that leads down to garden sheds, greenhouse, and veg patch. At the moment it is a tangle of ivy & ugly bushes. What I would like to have is a few fast growing ground cover flowering plants with an excellent root system that will hold the slope in place, also does anyone know of anykind of biodegradeable netting that could be used to hold the slope in place between removing the old and the new getting strong enough to not need the netting. There are a few trees on this slope but I dont know if their root systems are enough

Sorry for waffling on for so long but I could really do with some help.

[Avalon]

Veg need the sun to grow properly, Debbie. Can you change your garden around to put your veg patch in the sun?

Re your slope - don't know of any netting to hold the slope in place.

Why not replace the ugly bushes with new ones that you do like and leave the ivy as good ground cover? At least you won't get any weeds.

[Twinkie1]

Was just about to say get it waxed and then saw the topic!!!

[Avalon]

lol, Twinkie!

[cod]

wax it
not shave

[ComeOVeneer]

LOL that was exactly how my mind was working.

[Bozza]

To kill the weeds could you cover them in old carpet or something.

[catsmother]

Would you consider terracing your slope ? ..... new, treated railway sleepers are good for this. Then you'll have a series of flat beds and can plant what you actually like, as opposed to something you hope'll hold it together !

A very shady veg patch doesn't sound too promising. Do you get sun there for any part of the day, or is it always gloomy ? Is it totally shady, or dappled ? These are shade tolerant but do need a little bit of sun: chives, onions, mint, peas, parseley, cabbage, lettuce, spinach. Doesn't give you a lot of choice really.