How to turn concrete slabs and gravel into a veg patch?

iamcathyb

Hi, I've recently moved into a house where the end of the garden (south-facing) is a mix of concrete slabs and gravel designed to be used as a parking space. I'd really like to use it to plant veg etc as I don't need it as a parking space. Can I just remove the gravel and slabs, add some compost and start planting? What's the easiest (i.e cheapest) way to turn this into the vegetable garden I'd love to create? Thank you!

Skandi

That's what I did when faced with a paved back yard. I pulled up the slabs removed about half the sand under it and mixed the remainder with compost, it worked you just need to keep on top of the watering as it's very free draining. (or at least mine was)

Busy-Lizzie

Or you could make some raised beds.

nick615

iamcathyb  I'd think twice before involving raised beds which will need renewing at some point.  Hopefully there won't be too many larger stones/bricks, so that you can fork the area over, little by little, adding whatever household compostable material you have available.  This will promote worms which are sometimes scarce in heavily compacted areas such as you describe.  Other than that, you've every chance of a successful plot.