How to dig in a hard clay soil?

Question

Ok, I'm new to gardening. As my first effort in trying to plant a tree in my backyard, I started digging with a big shovel and a tiller.

After a feet or so, the clay soil gets super hard - it's like a rock. I have to dig atleast 2.5 to 3 feet depth to plant the tree. Any suggestions on making the digging part easier?

Answer 1

You can soften it up with water,or get a auger to make the holes you need.You can rent an auger for the day.

Answer 2

How To Dig Clay Soil

Answer 3

First I would lay out exactly where you want your garden to be. Then yes did out the grass. Then I would build a border around the garden, this can be done with plastic landscaping material, bricks wood etc.I would make this at least 2 1/2 ft. tall. You didn't say what type of garden so am guessing flower.Put down plastic bags over the bare clay, you can use landscaping material that is made for this purpose it is better but not as cheap!Now fill the garden with soil, can purchase this from a hardware or grocery store would be the cheapest. Also if you live near a landfill they sell compose in the spring at a very good price, I pay $15. a yard. Now mix this altogether. You will have to add compose and fertilizer yearly but you will get great results. I know all this because I have the same type of land and if you do not put down the plastic, trust me , the clay will come through all your hard work. tried in the vegetable garden for years before I figured out what to do.This method will work great for vegetable garden too but the only thing is if you plan to grow root plants such as carrots the garden has to be deeper, but will work for top growing plants lettuce, tomatoes etc........Good Luck P.S. they only thing with newspaper it routs the first year and alas up comes the clay again.

Answer 4

ok heres is what i have found tha really works for me......you take a spade headed shovel and you dig a little from tha center of tha hole.....then you dig a little from tha out side of tha hole when you dig from tha middle tha dirt or clay will have space to move so it makes it easier to dig ...if you have a pair of posthole diggers you can use them remember start from tha center and work yur way out when i say center i mean like 6 to 12 inchs kinda like an vagina lol seems nasty but who cares lol

Answer 5

do no digging put tree in the biggest tub you can find

cut the bottom out

tree roots find their own way through the soil

fill the bottom of pit with farm yard manure goodluck

Answer 6

Try water to soften the soil .or if it is a rock use spike and sledge hammer. or try another spot.

Answer 7

Saturate the area with water, it will loosen the clay.

Answer 8

you have to oil your shovel, I have the same type soil.