Is there any way to neutralize the effect of black walnuts on surrounding garden plants?

One of our neighbors has a black walnut tree in his yard. the nuts fall into our garden... the roots are likely traveling under it too. It seems that no matter how much I adjust the soil with compost and rotted manure nothing much wants to grow there. It is unfortunate as that is the best place in our yard for a garden. I think I may have to lay down a plastic sheet, build up a raised bed on top of it, and put a net overhead to block the falling nuts and roots of that black walnut tree. Any other suggestions?

Is there any way to neutralize the effect of black walnuts on surrounding garden plants?
Find another spot for your garden because nothing will grow near a black walnut tree, or at least, not do well.



I have a tree in my yard and anything within a radius of 30-40 feet is stunted by exposure. I can't wait to get rid of it. Unfortunately, we like the shade it provides and the trees we planted near it haven't matured yet. It's days are numbered.



Would your neighbor consider replacing it if you offered to buy him another tree? Just a thought.



Good luck.
Reply:You might as well move your garden. Even if your neighbor were to remove the tree it would take years to amend the soil. There are certain things that will grow right under a black walnut tree. Tomatoes sure aren't one of them. It is worse right after a rain. I remember coming out one morning after a heavy rain and our tomatoes looked like someone had poured scalding water over them. You can go on line to one of the garden sites and get a list of plants that will grow near or even under the tree. This is the exact situation we had in our last house so I really understand what you are going through.