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phoenix AZ

I want to build my dad a garden bed. He lives on the side of a mountain here in AZ and the soil is so hard you can't do anything with it. Tried to rototill it and it didnt even do anything and all the blades broke off, have broke many shovels trying to digg. So I am going to build a raised bed.
My question is if it was 10 x 10 by 1 or 100 cubic feet. What should I add and in what ratios for a good soil. There is no native soil except rocks so it will all have to be brought in.

5/4/2009 6:33:29 AM

Long Island,New York

So you broke all the blades off the rototiller and broke many shovels trying to dig.....and your giving up already?

5/4/2009 3:00:13 PM

phoenix AZ

Well Ive actually planted some stuff. I tried corn and it grew to about 6" tall and pumpkins that had leaves the size of 50 cent pieces. Trees live for a couple of years and then die because however big you dig the hole is like a pot that size. I could probably grow better stuff If it tried to plant in the middle of the street. The only stuff that grows is cactus. I will actually be making the bed bigger than 100 cubic feet, but that is just so I can get the ratios right.

5/4/2009 3:07:36 PM

Fresno, Ca

I have heard of people using electric jackhammers to break up hardpan. I bet it would work for you in your situation as well. You could probably rent one for a reasonable rate. I would put a high quality topsoil for 1/3 to 1/2 and then to fill the rest would use some well composted manure and some organic compost as well. Maybe a little sand as well depending on the type of topsoil.

5/5/2009 1:06:04 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Maybe a lil peat to keep it light and fluffy? Amd some worm castings, to make it grow monsters!!! I would think that a quick blend, and test...would be in order? Peace, Wayne

5/5/2009 3:24:42 AM

Rocky-r@stny.rr.com

Try dynamite. Although it may through off your soil NPK balance.

5/5/2009 1:53:23 PM

Falls City, NE

8-10 oz's of C-4 will do the trick then just fill the resulting hole with nice topsoil. and grow , no problem.

5/5/2009 11:21:26 PM