Leaving roots in ground

[AlfalfaParticipant]

Hi, when clearing crops to make way for new, the advice seems to be to cut off the plants at the roots, and leave these in the ground as they are beneficial. I’m wondering if this applies to woody stems/roots such as sprouts and kale; won’t they just re-sprout? Thanks for advice..

[HazelkyParticipant]

Hi Alfalfa,
I cut mine, with my trusty old bread knife below the surface, and nothing regrows. If they are not well anchored and come out without much disturbance to the soil, I take them out and smash them to pieces before putting in the compost.
Just cutting the last of my kale flowers now as they are fighting to flower.
It’s not raining!

[charlesModerator]

Yes Alfalfa, twist stems out or cut off roots just below the main stem.
That precisely removes any chance of regrowth, which only happens if you leave some of the main stem in the ground.
For example most Brussels roots remain in the ground, big ones come out attached to the plant.

[AlfalfaParticipant]

Excellent, many thanks Charles and Hazelky, will give it a go this year.

[Author]

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