What method/tools do you use to dig hard sun baked soil?

Question

What method/tools do you use to dig hard sun baked soil?

Answer 1

I use a combo of a pitch fork, and a shovel. It's the only think that really gets the job done. Don't go and purchase that silly mantes tiller from the television. I broke that thing in 3 minutes! Best of luck!

Answer 2

Your question was not how to modify the soil, but the best way to dig hard soil. The answer- water it. In the case of hard clay, water it lightly, but often, allowing the water to soak in each time. Do this 4 or 5 times, and do your digging the next morning. Piece of cake!

Answer 3

rear tine tiller does wonders in those conditions

Answer 4

hey--i m in Mississippi,,,what i did was make me a drill bit,,,welded  flat iron to 2 ft.  long  3/8 inch rod,,, in sert in 1/2 horse  drill motor,,,drill many holes bout 6 to 8 inches deep...scoop out dirt,,and drill some more deeper,,,then back fill with same dirt  mixed with lots of  home made compost,,,or  some humus, peat moss,etc    from  seed  store,,,

Answer 5

I just wait until right after it rains and use a shovel with a pointed head.  We are still rated in a severe drought and have red clay as our primary soil here so I understand what you are doing.  I try not to work too hard with hoses and pick axes, and such.  I really dont also have a need to dig in the soil since now is not planting season.

Answer 6

First off, never use a tiller. It will turn your hardpan into powder. Hard clay actually has loads of nutrients. It's the best soil out there, just needs air. Otherwise the roots of planted vegetation will suffocate. You need to mix compost, gypsum and peat moss into the soil with a pick and shovel. Perlite is expensive, vermiculite less so. Both are excellent. Good old shredded leaf mulch also can help you here. A combination of all the above is excellent. Add some very small pine bark if you have it. Key is to pick the ground, then turn the soil and soil amendments several times with a shovel. Hard, hard work. Well worth it. Try to dig up the first 8-inches of soil, 12-inches would be better. If you don't mind mud, soak the soil before and during picking and shoveling. Just be aware you need to work backwards if you do this to avoid recompacting your plot. Last great option: build a raised bed. This is no harder than the type of shoveling I'm suggesting, in fact, maybe easier. Raised bed 6- to 8-inches off the ground will allow you to grow many vegetables and ornamentals. You have to water raised beds often (especially in Florida) because they will dry out more easily. You'll need four good railroad ties or a dozen or so landscape timbers to contain your raised bed. Strongly suggest putting down landscape fabric as a base layer, then fill with good garden soil (tree and shrub or vegetable and flower soil).