How to mellow up garden soil?
+1
We moved to an area that has very hard clay dirt.Is there anything that can be done to make it more workable
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
I always aerate my hard clay soil. Depending on where you are wanting to work with (flower beds or lawn area), it can be done on your own. For larger areas, you can hire someone with a machine to do it. I always do it myself for flower bed areas and small lawn areas. This link shows the tool I use to aerate: https://chemistrycachet.com/easy-fall-lawn-care-tips/
we have also brought in some top soil
Apply glauconate greensand (available at Agway stores or similar), perlite, composted cow manure and Sphagnum Peat moss for heavy clay soil, if you are in Eastern half of US. Gypsum works better for Western half of US, but can be slow to act.
Till soil 18" and add amendments, then retill for best results.
Yes! As soon as you can start amending the soil in the areas where you want to plant. You can amend the soil by adding compost, leave clippings and grass clippings to it. It may take a few years, but it you keep at it you will have soil that is workable. Also if you want to plant vegetables, consider using raised beds and purchasing a good mix of compost and topsoil to fill them. Good luck!
Mix Gypsum,coffee grounds and ground up egg shells. Turn soil with pointed shovel dig down deep,break up clumps with shovel or long tined pitch fork mix the mixture thru out soil then let dry out turn over some more let dry then. Try not to add anything that will retain more water or mold.