Planting A Screen Close To A House & Leafy Vegetables Turning Brown

Question:

I have a new neighbor who bought a vacant lot full of beautiful trees and then cut them down to build a house. I need to plant trees for privacy and shrubs for the lost greenery. The planting area is ten to twelve inches wide, next to a fence and along a walkway. What would grow over the fence, provide privacy, and not ruin the fence or sidewalk with its roots? 

Answer:

  •  Unfortunately, you're caught between a rock and a hard place in trying to plant in this area.
  • The space is way too narrow for any trees or larger growing privacy shrubs. Also, over time, the plant roots will affect both the fence and the sidewalk. You could wait and see what is planted on your neighbor's side of the fence. This may solve the problem.
  • I don’t believe there are any viable vegetative solutions to this situation from your description.
  • Another issue is whether you're in a designated ‘fire area.’ If so, you need at least a five-foot gap, called a “fire break,’ between the vegetation and your roof. Also, any excess debris in the gutters and on the roof should be removed.
    • Homeowner Insurance renewal policies are being denied for properties with cluttered roofs. Some companies are using drones for visual inspections. I speak from personal experience. 
  •  A non-vegetative solution is to construct a decorative screen from wood or another material in front of the fence to shield the view.

NOTE: Planting trees and vines along a fence line is always problematic. It's a common neighbor dispute that is often overlooked. Once the plants cross the property line, you no longer control their growth. Half the plant(s) grow on your side, while the other half or more grows on your neighbor's property. Everything is fine until someone objects, and the plants are labeled a nuisance.

Question:

The leaves of my lettuce, Swiss chard, and spinach are turning brown, and the browning is now spreading to my cucumbers. I don't see any bugs. The soil has been amended with lots of horse manure, and I sprinkled all-purpose fertilizer over the area after raking the dirt flat. What is causing this, and how can I fix it?

Answer:

  • The root of your problem is that too much of a good thing can be harmful, contrary to popular belief. The discoloration on the leaves is fertilizer burn caused by excessive nitrogen from horse manure.
  • Horse manure should be aged or composted for at least 6 months before application; otherwise, issues such as fertilizer burn can occur. Ideally, it should be spread over the area in early winter, then cured, and mixed into the soil later in spring.
  • Another factor is the amount of manure you're adding to the area; one applies two cubic feet per hundred square feet, which is standard.
  • Right now, all you can do is wait for the soil to settle. Irrigation and some rain will help. For vegetables, use an organic vegetable fertilizer—there are many brands available.