questions on hardpack
 

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.

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

In addition to good compost, you might give Medina's Soil Activator a try.

"LeeBoGene" wrote in message
...
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.

Cliff wrote:
In addition to good compost, you might give Medina's Soil Activator a
try.

Yes, I haven't actually tried it though I bought a bottle, but the lady who
owns/runs my favorite nursery swears by it.

Cindy

The Medina company has become expert in the recovery of bad soil conditions,
world wide. However they are still responsive to individuals. Might want
to send them a note and ask for any additional hints they might have. Web
site is Medinaag.com, should have a email link there.


"Cindy" wrote in message
. ..
Cliff wrote:
In addition to good compost, you might give Medina's Soil Activator a
try.

Yes, I haven't actually tried it though I bought a bottle, but the lady
who owns/runs my favorite nursery swears by it.

Cindy

"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.