Can I just dump new dirt on top of old hard-packed soil?
Question:I want to add some new perennials but the ground is so hard I can hardly scrape the surface. It appears there is an old layer of that crushed landscaping rock just below the surface. We just bought this house, and it appears the previous owners did nothing (I really mean NOTHING) for the last 20 years in that perennial bed. There was a 2 foot layer of dead leaves, twigs, garbage etc. in this overgrown bed.Because I can't get a pitchfork into the ground, could I just dump a layer of nice new dirt ontop?
Answers:
When we moved into our current home, we had much the same problem in the yard with buried paint cans and brushes, two swing sets and assorted other junk. As some of the other posters stated - 'rent a tiller'. Till the crap out of that bed and rake and pick out all the junk. Then in a wheelbarrel, mix a bag ea of topsoil, coarse sand, and composted manure (if an annual bed, mushroom compost if for perennial bed). Dump this mess in the bed and till it in.
And plant to your hearts' desire. Then every time you water, use Algoflash as directed. I also use a post hole digger to dig the holes for the perennials. Drop in some epsom salts to the bottom of ALL the planting holes just before planting - helps with transplant shock.
And don't laugh. See my yard in Chicagoland Gardening Magazine; May/June 2005.
YES but use a shovel and dig in
yes but it still needs to be worked up for drainage and air
I would not. if at all possible. Hard packed, or hard "pan" prevents proper leaching and draining of moisture. You may have plants standing in water, or if on a grade, lose a lot of your topsoil from wash off.
Not a good idea, the plants will only grow until they hit the rock, then die. Can you get someone stronger then you to dig it up for you? Get rid of the junk, then put a layer of fresh dirt.
If you stick to perennials that have shallow root systems and like extremely good drainage, like alpines. Or you need lots of soil, like 2-3 feet deep for the large roots and bulbs. Hope this helps good luck
I would first test the percolation rate of the soil. Make sure water is being absorbed at a relatively normal rate.
If it ponds on top than it probably wont be a good idea since you'll end up drowning the plant. Might be a reason why they didn't do anything. I've dealt a lot with clay soil and it doesn't let any water through so only water loving plants will grow there & you have to keep it watered.
If the water goes in no problem than placing soil on top won't hurt the plant just make sure it's deep enough that the roots have somewhere to spread.
Common enough practice. Drop a couple of feet of new earth on the ground, depending on the size of the plot and your growth intentions. You can also rototill your present earth floor to take advantage of the existing mulch of dead leraves, twigs and garbage, etc. to increase your advantage.
That would only be a temporary fix. Since you are wanting to plant perennials in this area you should prepare the soil correctly so it will produce consistently year after year. For a very minimal amount of money you can rent a small tiller from your local Lowe's or Home Depot or other tool rental place. It will quickly break up the soil and allow you to amend it with composted manure and additional top soil. Remember, if its worth doing, its worth doing right.
You need to turn the soil over. Rent a tiller..that will break through the soil.
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