Planting under a tree.

[Elderflower]

I`ve just cleared an area under a 20ft laurel tree in my garden, planning to use it for some kind of food crop. The soil is wonderful, dark and friable, but I can`t get a spade very deep because of roots, I suspect ivy from next door and, of course, the laurel itself.
Is there anything that would like this space?
I`m trying to get as much food growing at home as I can as my allotment is half an hour away.

[Johnboy]

Hi Elderflower,
I would think that the roots are from the Laurel Tree itself. They produce a very substantial root system. In order to grow anything I would suggest giving the Laurel a good root prune and inserting a vertical Black heavy duty polythene membrane at least from the surface down to the 24" line.
Remove any roots beyond the severance point giving you the space to grow properly.
JB.

[Elderflower]

Thanks JB, I`ll have a go at that today!

[Mike Vogel]

Will garlic be a good crop?
mike