lovemy2

georgia soil

Posted on 09/18/08, 11:18 pm

ok, i just moved here to georgia. originally from mo and spent some time in nebraska, so i know clay soil well. but the soil here!!! bright red, hard as a rock, with literal rocks all over...i tried to plant a tree and it took me all freakin' day!!! i tried soaking it with water for a while to soften it..and the water stood in the hole for 4 hours!!! (keep in mind it has not rained here for quite some time) i think a jackhammer would be my best bet. does anyone have any tips for getting through soil like this???

• Reply #1 09/21/08  4:29pm
  
  LynneC
  Not really, but then I don't have to deal with it. Is there a local garden center or a county extension office that you can contact? Maybe even a local garden club? Once you DO cut through it, amend, amend, amend. Lots of organic matter in your beds will help in the future.
• Reply #2 09/21/08  9:36pm
  
  lovemy2
  well, since i wrote this..i have gotten a lot of advice from the locals and they all said the same thing: GIVE UP!! give up and put in raised beds..hah..so something to think about. !! i would amend,,but it literally takes me HOURS to dig a 12" by 12" hole!!! i cant wrap my brain around doing an entire yard yet. AHHHHH! i will come up with something..ive got a few months yet to come up with some solutions. right now im just clearing out brush and small saplings and having camp fires.
• Reply #3 09/22/08  6:21pm
  
  LynneC
  If you are planning to stay there, look at it as a long-term project. The raised beds will help you to get spots started. But the same thing can be applied over a larger area; it just has to be done over a long period of time. Maybe start close to the house, and work your way out. If you are not planning on staying there for too very long, then I would look into container gardening and raised beds, like your neighbors suggest.

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