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Rocky Mountain Gardening

Don't laugh! Do I need a digging bar?

marshaaa (5b CO, Castle Rock)

7 years ago

Now that I've purchased my first wave of plants in Colorado, I now have to figure out how to penetrate this rock hard soil (I am being generous). I've removed the horrible landscape fabric that was in place for 16 years, which meant that the organic mulch on top did nothing to improve the soil. Being from NC, I expected the clay to be red or gold. When I saw this black stuff, I was actually hopeful for about 30 seconds.

I can't make a dent with a shovel, so I'm considering a digging bar. Does anyone use one? If not, how do you even begin to penetrate this clay?

Help!!

Thanks,

Kaye

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Comments (5)

popmama (Colorado, USDA z5)
7 years ago
Try a heavy-duty garden fork like this to break up the clay a bit. Also, I never plant directly into the clay. I always put at least 4" of compost/soil on top, mix in a bit, then plant in that. Your mileage may vary.
treebarb Z5 Denver
7 years ago
Try soaking the area the day before you plan to dig. I don't mean completely saturate to the point of runoff or making mud, but do get down enough moisture that you can get a shovel in at least a few inches.

You're finding out why many of us plant in berms or raised beds!

A digging bar might work, but you have to crack through that top hard layer somehow. A pick axe may help you get through, too.

Once you are able to break ground, amend with lots of compost. It will help, it just takes time.
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marshaaa (5b CO, Castle Rock)
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks, everyone. Popmama, my garden fork has worked well in the existing front foundation bed. I'm going to start on the hard part in the back next week. I'll be armed with a digging bar, a mattock (thanks, colorado_plantswoman) and a 6" grub hoe!
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7 years ago
Preparing with water has worked for me.

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