How can I prevent the dirt in my veggie garden from packing down?

Loetta: when I switched to a high quality garden soil, my problem with this was really reduced. ...it's worth the money -- and your harvest will be greater!

Place boards between rows to better dispense your weight, when leaning/walking between rows.

Add more composted cow or weed free composted horse manure, perlite, sphaghnum peat moss to your heavy soil. Adding glauconite greensand may also help.

Cover garden during winter with heavy black plastic to benefit from sun's heat, or plant a winter crop.

Rotate plants in your garden, yearly.

The real answer is to use good brought in dirt or compost and not work in but keep above the surface of the existing ground. For vegetables the best answer is to create what are called 'raised beds'; like a cold frame but without a top. Use timber about 6 inches wide on its side attached to stakes on corners and when needed. Fill the bed with 'good stuff' and grow vegetables in there. Easier to water and weed so don't make too wide; about 3 feet so you can access it from both sides. Will suit most crops but for those that need more depth such as potato, sweet potato use an old wooden apple box and plant in layers just for those crops. The idea came from Holland to start with and it is very successful. Also if you want to use a cover it is much easier to install.

try adding straw to the soil