We have a two tier retaining wall with a cape honeysuckle growing along the top tier. Both tiers are roughly 45′ long, the bottom tier is roughly five feet wide and 3′ below the top.
I have been struggling to grow veggies for the last few seasons along the bottom tier and the top tier next to the honeysuckle. Previously, we successfully grew corn across the entire bottom tier. Both tiers are mulched and composted.
Irrigation was consistent but I’ve struggled to evenly water both areas. We thought the plants not growing could have been related to the watering spread and started our install for laying drip tape (6″ emitters and 9″ between rows) to better saturate the soil.
Upon starting the install we discovered the honeysuckle roots spread to the bottom tier as well as spread along the top tier in our planting areas.
Presuming the cape honeysuckle is main problem, we are thinking of setting up a heavy duty root block (18″-24″ deep?) at the outside base of the top retaining wall. Would this approach be adequate protection? If so, for how long?
Any feedback or advice would be much appreciated!
by FlowerFoolish