Really, really heavy and hard soil... what to do?

[Peony]

I've got two patches that I dug over a couple of weeks ago. I haven't done anything since and the very big lumps of soil are now hard as rocks!! I've tried chopping them up with a spade, but they're like blocks of concrete, so after 10 minutes of not getting anywhere, I gave in!

Does anyone have any ideas about what to do? I really, really want to use the patches to grow courgettes and lettuce.

Does anyone have any advice?

[WhiteWolf]

Peony I know this is probably not what you want to hear but SWMBO (the gardener in the Family) says the thing to break the soil down the best will be the frost, so you may have to wait for Mother Nature to lend a hand.

Once she has done her work to dig in loads of organic matter and leave it to the wormies.

Regards

WW/Nix

[Peony]

Thanks WW... you're right, that's not what I wanted to hear, but it sounds like the easiest option!! The clods are huge (the size of a rugby ball) and rock hard and so far, no amount of hitting them has made a difference!

I guess it just means that I need to use other areas instead. Thanks for your help!

[Pacey]

I might just be making this up but im sure potatoes are good for breaking it up.

[stupo74]

Hi All,
Spot on there Pacey, spuds are great for breaking up soil.
More "House Points" for you when the "Boss" returns.
cheers stupo

[Pacey]

Yey! Score XD lol

[jeny]

Would it be worth removing it and replacing it with well rotted organic matter which the worms can get stuck into?

[Ian240356]

Are you on clay? If you are, you might want to grow in containers.