By Donnadee
Essex,
United Kingdom 
hi just wondering if anyone can give any suggestions as how to best clear some wasted ground at the end of my garden idealy i would like to plant some fruit trees and some soft fruit bushes but the ground is overrun with weeds and nettles.i have used general weed killer in the past but they just keep coming back. many thanks Donna
22 Apr, 2010
Answers
Yes digging is the best way.
22 Apr, 2010
An easier way is to cover the area with weed membrane and then some mulch and leave it for 12 months!
22 Apr, 2010
Not sure I agree with you Ian after a year I have found plenty of live root under a membrane.
22 Apr, 2010
Agree Drc - Ian, its thick black plastic for a year minimum that might do the job, anchored down very firmly - this excludes water as well as light and air, meaning everything dies, but membrane lets it all through, just with reduced light.
22 Apr, 2010
Thanks guys it looks like i'll be buying my other half a trusty fork in the near future Thankyou x
22 Apr, 2010
Oh get digging!! Some people waste money with gym membership! lol
22 Apr, 2010
Dont forget to pace yourself, if you over do it at the first attempt you may get fed up and find it too much like hard work?
23 Apr, 2010
Yeah and hurt your back too...good point Drc726.
23 Apr, 2010
Previous question
Dig it, lifting out the weed roots as you go. Nettles go down a long way, so you'll have to dig deep for those.
22 Apr, 2010