On Saturday, January 11, 2014 12:47:25 PM UTC-8, Fran Farmer wrote:
I've been away for more than a month, and although Himself did a lot of

watering, there are some places where the soil has dried out to such an

extent that it's now baked and water repellant and all attempts at

normal watering (ie hoses and sprinklers) are proving fruitless.



How have others coped with this other than puddling and making mud pies?

This does seem to work, but I'm sure there will be some reason why I

shouldn't do this even though it can't be because of soil structure

since where there is none to begin with once it's as dry as a chip. I

also do not like using soil wetting agents since I've never been able to

find out what it does to earth worms and I know they will return

eventually, once it rains or the winter comes and the weather cools.

How big is the area? If feasible,use a pick axe or mattock to break up at least the first few inches so slow long watering can start to penetrate.
Guaranteed sore back and muscles, but a virtuous feeling of accomplishment.
Worst comes to worst, pay a local teenager to do it.

HB