New dirt and leaves on the garden

[jlxian]

We recently had two loads of "top soil" delivered to our garden spot. I put "top soil" in quotes because there a LOT of rocks in it, but it was free so I guess we can't complain. Our plan is to spread it over the garden spot and begin to amend the soil which is very heavy with clay and its own share of rocks.

On Saturday we spent a good part of the day raking leaves onto a tarp and hauling them to the garden spot. We covered nearly the entire garden with about 6 - 8 inches of leaves. Now we need to spread the new dirt on top of this. Our little garden tractor has a blade rigged up on the back but after trying many times to spread the dirt DH decided it is not up to the task. So, a shovel for each of us, we began distributing the soil. The kids and DH worked hard at it. I was already beat from raking and hauling leaves and wasn't much help and gave up. But they got a good part of the dirt spread, with still a long way to go. I guess if we do a little each weekend we'll get it done eventually.

DH thinks if we get this layering done, that by spring the leaves will be somewhat composted and the worms will have worked up the soil underneath, lightening it a bit. I'd like to convince him to till it up and work the leaves into the heavy soil before spring. We'll see if I can manage to convince him.

[hollyhill]

Good for you! Wish I could get free dirt! We have solid clay here as well but no rocks. The only thing I would do differently is put a layer of leaves over everything as well. Those little worms like to do their work "undercover" (grin).

[Darlene]

Sounds like your on your way to better soil. Dh tilled our leaves into our garden yesterday, hope you can sweet talk your hubby into doing yours.

[jlxian]

Holly and Darlene,

Thanks! I'll try to get more leaves racked up and put on top of the dirt and also to "sweet talk" DH into tilling before the ground freezes.

[forestdale]

Jean, one of the best things to break up clay soil is gypsum. You just sprinkle it on and water it in. Here's some info about it http://www.humeseeds.com/gypsum.htm

When we first bought our current home, we used gypsum to help break up the clay. It worked really well.

[jlxian]

Thanks Rhonda. I look for this and give it a try.