Suggestions for rock hard clay soil

[jeanette01]

I'm trying to sat up some native & tropical garden beds.

I'm in SE Qld,my soil is ROCK hard clay literally can't turn it over have to dig my planting holes with the pick axe and fill the hole with organic compost.

Can anyone suggest something I can water into the clay soil to help break it up and repair the years of damage?

We've only recently moved in.

[darylhewston]

Hi @jeanette01, I came across this the other day. http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s972701.htm it may help a bit. Also try http://www.yates.com.au/products/fertilising/specialised/yates-gypsum-clay-breaker/#HA7oqVyIef9oOHtU...

[greygardener]

@jeanette01

As Daryl has suggested, you will want to buy bags of gypsum to help break down your clay soil. There is also a product that you can spray on but the powder is more effective. 

Good luck.

[Isobel]

This looks like another good Gardening Australia fact sheet on improving your soil - http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s1503292.htm

In addition to gypsum, it mentions mushroom compost, blood and bone, complete fertiliser, chicken and sheep manure and dolomite to build up layers and improve the soil. 

[dj0003]

Hi

as a self employed gardener I recommend

Richgro All Purpose Garden Soil Mix 25L $3.95

it contains soil wetter & gypsum which will aid with

breaking up the clay etc.

check it out at www.bunnings.com.au

cheers

[dj0003]

you'll find all the Richgro range an excellent products at an excellent price !

[Jason]

Thanks for joining in the discussion and a very warm welcome to Workshop @dj0003.

As a professional gardener I'm sure you will have a lot to offer the community in terms of advice, information and expertise. I trust you will also get some ideas from other members of the community.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of your posts soon. Please let me know if you need a hand getting the most from the site. 

Jason

[Jason]

Great to see you get plenty of helpful suggestions for improving your soil @jeanette01. Please let us know how you go down the track.

Jason

[jeanette01]

Thanks everyone for your helpful tips,I sure will I'm thinking of using compost,seasol with conditioners & water savers

[Trying]

Hi Jeanette01, I lived in SE Qld for many years and started with the same garden problem you are facing. The answer is gypsum,good compost,and elbow grease.And plenty of all three ! Good luck to you.