g'day clare, not that much that you can do about invasive roots from plants outside of teh garden beds, apart from maybe put in a root barrier between them and the garden area. the root barrier is a rubber based mat that gets inserted into the ground like a retaining wall to prevent roots from near by plants from entering a given area. probably not going to be cheap but should be effective. do a google or such for root barriers in your area and try to be sure to select someone who knows exactly what to do. they usualy need to cut a trench into the soil to slide the barrier into this i have seen can be dones using a jet of water to cut the trench. len Here is a link that might be useful: lens garden page

Using a strong string and a line level, secure one end of the string at highest point and stretch the string to the point you want the wall. Use the line level to find the the height of the proposed wall. Measure the height of the level string and the ground, walla the wall height. Note: when installing the wall, make sure to use enough tie backs to keep the wall from falling down from the weight of the soil pushing on the wall.

It's worth it for the people and the chat, but it has got to be the most annoying site on the internet. Those darn animated ads take forever to down load, and you have to be so careful how you scroll down or loud ads pop up, covering what you are trying to read. I hate the talking ads, since I am on the computer while family members are asleep and I am trying to not make any noise. I realize that the ads pay for the site, but the ads on this site are so invasive, slow loading, and obnoxious. Yeah, a "first unread" button would be heaven on the longer threads. A way to edit after posting would be nice. A button to click to report spam would be nice. Oh well. Nothing to do but put up with it until I find a better forum to move to.

Hi Kristi..I 'wish' I had your problem..LOL (reside in IL) Did you have your heart set on potted or under-ground citrus? Sounds like your balcony gets adequate light. Since it faces east, does it receive any south sun? Is anything obstructing the upper part of your balcony? An awning or a second upper balcony? I'd like to add, I'm NO expert, just a citrus/plant lover and grower.. In most cases, lack of sun is the issue..If you decide to plant in ground, set citrus out gradually, until they acclimate.. But honestly, citrus I keep out front,faces west, with added north and south, do far better than those out back which is semi-shaded by a big, old maple tree, facing mostly south, and additional east and north. Still they flower and fruit..since you're in Ca, have much longer seasons than us Illinoians, I'm sure your balcony will suffice. I honestly think your balcony would do. (if you want to keep your trees in pots) It's highly unlikely your citrus will die from lack of light on the balcony..you can always keep them there this spring/summer/fall..If results aren't to your satisfaction, plant in the yard next year. Since your soil is mostly clay, it'll need amending. This means, digging, and re-digging. And tilling. Don't bother using a small tiller like Mantis..I have one..it works, only after sections are tilled by larger rototillers. Deep into the earth..ridding grass roots is not an easy task. I personally dislike grass-killing-agents where I intend planting, especially edibles..(that's my hangup) Poisons..uh uh..Other mediums will need to be added in the area you want to plant trees. It's a big job, but can be done..and worth the effort after the job is completed..You'll feel great.. What is 8ish soil? Do you mean it's alkaline? If so, another project ,,, bringing those numbers down..But that's just a matter of adding other mediums, blending in, and voila, a Perfect 4-6 acidic soil. Growing citrus in pots requires similar soil, only on a much smaller scale..Again, I'm no expert, only grown a couple barely-edible citrus in the garden year round..so my experiences lie in containers. Perhaps someone from your area will chime in. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best..believe me, citrus are worth the work, either way..Toni