"OmManiPadmeOmelet" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"LeeBoGene" wrote:

Once one gets started removing construction grunt, sheetrock, shingles,
and
metal crud from the garden, what does one use to soften the sand clumps
and
hardpack? Bentonite? When one works with a pick axe, it's about time to
add
some heavy duty soil softener.

But what? Any mud engineers out there with a clue?
Thanks.



Sand and mulch.
LOTS of mulch!

A truckload of washed quarry sand can make a nice difference.
Do NOT buy sandy loam! I hardens into concrete. I used it as a base
foundation for the concrete slabs for my sheds. It was perfect for that
but I'd never use it in a garden.

Cheers and happy pickaxing! Been there, done that.

Cheers!
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack
Nicholson

"sandy loam" is a very loose term. It can be red clay w/sand, black clay
w/sand, or a sandy topsoil. When you're attempting to get the latter, go
out and look at it before its delivered. Don't take the sellers
description.
Red clay/sand mix is meant for drainage only, not as a growth soil. Some
grasses and trees may thrive in it though.
Wouldn't recommend it as a sub-base for a concrete slab if it has no rocky
content like road base.