Soil hidden by rocks needs some TLC

Q: We decided to remove a large swath of small river rock that borders the sidewalk to the entrance of our home that we’ve lived in for two years. That rock space gets lots of sun and during the hottest time of the year you can actually feel the heat being released by the rock in the evening. It’s been a lot of work, but we’ve cleared a space that is four feet wide and about 20 feet long. There was plastic under the rock and lots of sand that had accumulated over the years, so it was heavy work. The soil under everything looks really sad. Sort of orange-brown and completely compressed. We’re thinking of planting some smallish shrubs and some sunloving perennials but wonder what should we do for that soil to make it healthier so we can plant in it? — S.C., Albuquerque

A: So for two years that you know of, that space was covered with weighty rock and under it was a layer of plastic, right? It’s no wonder the soil looks sad.

The first thing I’ll suggest is to turn the soil, and turn the soil, and turn the soil. Your big aim is to reoxygenate it. It’s been oxygen-deprived for who knows how long, and to plant in it at this stage would be death for whatever was planted.

If you can, employ a small rototiller and let it do most of the work. If not, then use a spade, impaled as deep as you can. This project will be heavy, too. You’ve got to get the soil refluffed up.

Now as you’re turning, keep an eye out for rocks and any nonsoil matter. All that should be pitched. Aim for the softest, silkiest soil you can create.

If it still looks puny after a couple of weeks of religious turning, still sort of off-color, then it’s time to add some compost, bagged garden soil or well-aged manure to give the area a boost and get some microbes working in that stagnant soil. How much, you ask? Well, more is always better.

Here’s a way to think of how much to add. Most soil amendment products are sold in cubic foot measurements. Since I’m no math whiz, I taught myself to visualize things this way. You’ve purchased several 1 cubic foot bags of, let’s say, compost. Now, visualize a cube 1 foot tall, wide and deep. If you cut that “cube” into 1 inch slices or tiles, with each bag you can cover an area of 12 square foot tiles at an inch thick. You have approximately 80 square feet in your space (4 feet x 20 feet, equals 80 feet). Divide the 80 by 12, and you will need 6.65 cubic foot bags (at least) to cover that space an inch thick.

Once you turn that inch under, into the existing area, it won’t look like you’ve done a thing, so that’s why I say more is better.

Once you’ve added the amendments, water the area thoroughly to settle everything and a couple of weeks later turn the whole kit and caboodle again. A lot of turning, adding soil amendments and water, will be the only way you can get that area reawakened and ready to support plant life.

I recommend you put off planting in this space until late summer to be sure the soil is healthier. You might consider sowing a cover crop of white Dutch clover for the time being, growing it for several weeks, and then turn it under. The composting (decomposing) clover would add minerals galore to assist getting that soil in better shape.

I feel in my heart that this space would benefit from being fussed with by the turning and watering phases for weeks before you plant in it. Keep a sharp eye out for any weed interlopers, pull and pitch on a very regular basis. It’s going to get hot soon and since this space gets lots of sun, truly, I’d spend the summer getting this space’s soil more receptive before planting.

Happy Diggin’ In!