I'm so sorry, Edna! Before I relandscaped, I had really hard-packed soil under my lawn and the water would just run off. One local nursery recommended Soil Penetrant by Master Nursery. Supposed to "help water penetrate water-repellent soils and mulches. For use on lawn, planted areas, and open soils."

I've also found the time-release Osmocote granules to be really good in my garden. Between that and alfalfa meal, they are doing great.

*hugs*
Anne

Oh, Edna, that must be frustrating. I read recently that the very best way to break up compacted soil is to add mulch, just on top. I think you already do that right? When we get a place that is not accepting water we let a hose drip on it all night. Just one drop at a time. That seems to help. I would try Anne's idea as well.

Your right Debbie, I mulched the the soil at first sign of stress. Water is absorbed by the mulch however when I took a hoe to the surface and dug an inch, dry as a bone. The soil is so compact it'll take a jackhammer to break it up. I use the drip method on my fruit trees.

I experimented with green manure (crimson clover) over the winter/spring hoping that would help the soil retain moisture and nutrients during the summer. Guess that theory didn't work *lol*

I have one VERY long soaker hose running alone side the picket fence. Has anyone ever installed one of those things? It's like wrestling with a 50' snake. That area is doing okay but if I miss one day watering the soil becomes rock hard.

The roses in part shade are doing great. The roses in full sun look pathetic. My Westerland rose bloomed once, a total of 5 roses in late spring and hasn't grown a new leaf or bud since.

Anne, a landscaper is beginning to appeal to me.

On the brighter side - the asclepias currassavica attracted a female Monarch. She left behind eggs and so far I'm raising 23 caterpillers. They're so cute!

Edna - we had the same problem in a new garden this year (to include heavy amounts of clay). Went to the hardware store & bought a product endorsed by Toby Tobin (local master gardner; TV & radio) called "Enviro-Max". It's very simple to use - just hook it to your hose & spray the problem areas. Doesn't hurt existing plants or grass.

Anyway, within a matter of HOURS (yes, hours), the soil was able to be worked w/ a tiller. Before that, the tiller was completely ineffective.

Granted, it's a first year bed, and considerably large, but between the Enviro-Max, compost, & peat, it's really coming around. Shooting for one more treatment this fall, and more compost, too, in order to have it ready for all of my NEW & IMPROVED plans next Spring.

If you can find Enviro-Max in your area, give it a shot. It's a little expensive - about $25-$27 per bottle, but it's really worth it.

Ilsa

Edna, Post this over on the California board. Someone over there once did a facinating discourse on the topic. You might get more help from them. Is your soil clay for sure? Does it gum up when wet? Evidently a lot of California has a sandy type soil that has some substance in it that turns it to something like concrete or glass when wetted then dried. I think that is what I have here. My son, a few miles away, has pure clay and his soil is also rock hard. A tiller will not penetrate. Anyway, someone over on the CA forum knows all about this stuff.

I am so sorry to hear that about your garden; that must be so frustrating! I was just wondering what kind of mulch you use?

fiwa

Ed, why not go ask Annie (the propagating Annie) what she uses on her gorgeous beds at home? The flower show slides are incredible, and she lives not to far so may have run into the same thing as you have.
I have a similar problem again these last two years. I have ammended well, several areas and they are fine, but others haven't been re-ammended for 2 years. Now the soil is compacting again. I also OVER ammended a few areas and they don't hold water well...too free running...so I have a bit of correction to do.
Good luck. I know how annoying it is to keep ammending, but you "get there" at some point....

GGG

Ilsa, I've never heard of "Enviro-Max". I'll have to look it up. I don't use any type of chemicals in my garden. Everything has to be organic as I have a wildlife friendly garden as well as keeping with a cottage theme.

Debbie, I have a mix of clay + sand = concrete. The worst mix imaginable *sigh*

Fiwa, I make my own compost. Occasionally I buy shredded redwood, pine needles or Annie's famous grapeseed mulch.

GGG, Annie uses grapeseed mulch. I've bought her mix and I loved it. Thanks for the reminder and I need an Annie's Annual road trip to put me in the spirit. Time to ammend the soil :-(

Edna