Instead of trying to remove all of the roots, why don't you build a raised bed? We had a lot of pine trees on our property, which means there were roots everywhere. My DH built a raised box garden with a short fence, i.e. chicken wire, to keep out the rabbits and armadillos.

That's a great idea! I thought about it but wasn't sure what my husband would say as he would be the one to have to build it. The majority of our wooded area is pines and that's what I had to hack out of my little garden area. Question, what do you put on the bottom of a raised bed? Would you put wood or some kind of chicken wire or screen or something?

When we put raised beds in all we did was cover the ground with thick layers of newspaper and palm fronds. Then soil was placed on top. It has worked beautifully for us.
Good luck!

We did our first raised bed earlier this year, and staple-gunned wire on the bottom to keep out the moles - it seems to be working well.

Glad hubby is cooperating, makes it easier doesn't it?

We didn't put anything on the bottom. It is 8'x12'x6"deep with a 2'h. railing. We used 2x6 PT lumber. I usually solarize the soil every other year and replenish the soil with compost every fall.

Joyful, isn't it super to finally get your spouse mildly interested in your hobby?? Raised beds sound good! Hubby would prob have less work building you an earthbox than trying to make the ground manageable with all the roots! Speaking of hubbys coming around. This year my hubba-bubba has been taking a real interest in helping me with pruning, planting and planning. All on his own he found suitable replacement shrubs for our front beds, he as even mapped out how he wants to do the planting and read all the info on Florida data on the Hamelia patens- firebush, he has chosen. He even was excited to tell me that butterflies and birds are attracted by them. Boy this is a biggie for him to take such interest in plants of any kind!!! I am stoked! AND he has found a 'pretty' place to move the temp Musadenas that were filling up the blank space temporarily. Good luck to you and show us photos!

Wow cindeea- he really is taking an interest. My husband says, "see that spot over there? I wish you would find something that will grow nicely there and fill in that spot." I'm sure once I ask him to build the container bed, he will say that I can just work the ground there. He has no intention of cutting out the roots. I believe that would be my job. I also went online today and found plans for a container bed and in all actuality, I could do it myself if he won't. I would use all of his tools though. ;-) I am glad that he actually wants me to have a garden but he really only wants the green beans that I grew before. He actually said that was what he really wants

Joyful,

It's a start....

In the heat of next year, grow him some yard long Asians. They are very delicious and very productive.