On 8/16/2009 2:37 AM, net1961 wrote:
we have a fairly large plot that use to be a vegatable plot.but due to
my partner having bad ankles and me having back problems we can no
longer keep on top of it.we can't afford to pay a gardener so i have to
tackle it myself.but the soil is rock solid ,i can't even get a spade
into it.the weeds and clumps of grass are impoosible to dig up.the only
time it's easier to dig is after heavy rainfall .but even then i find
the rotovator bounces off the clods of soil once it has dried out.is
there any way i can get over these problems.i can't do too much at a
time because of my back.

Broadcast a generous amount of gypsum over the area. You want to see
only white, no soil. 1/8 inch or even 1/4 inch is okay.

Sprinkle lightly to start disolving the gypsum. The next day, sprinkle
a bit heavier to start leaching the gypsum into the soil. Then, repeat
sprinkling every 3-4 days until all the gypsum has disolved and leached
into the soil. Gypsum reacts chemically with clay to make it porous and
workable.

Let the soil dry for about a week. Then till. As you are tilling, add
whatever amendments and nutrients you think are appropriate. This is
the best time to add bone meal or super-phosphate since phosphorus does
not readily disolve and must thus be down into the soil where roots will
find it.

After tilling, mulch with organic matter (leaves, DRIED grass clippings,
output from your office shredder, newspaper, cardboard, etc); don't use
plastic sheeting, gravel, volcanic rock, other "permanent" mulch. This
will protect the tilled soil from being compacted by rain and artificial
irrigation. It will also encourage earthworms, which will help maintain
the tilled soil structure you have created.

You might have to add more gypsum annually without tilling. Note that
most gypsum is a natural (not manufactured) product. It does not harm
soil organisms. Earthworms seem to enjoy the added calcium. While it
is truly inorganic, many organic gardeners use it.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening diary at http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary