How to dig through caliche? (Tempe: to rent, Home Depot, live)

[jen1985]

I am trying to plant a few annual shrubs in my backyard and the soil is so hard I feel like I broke my arm trying to shovel it out. I can dig down about 8 inches or so but there is so many little rocks. I am not even sure if I've gotten to the caliche but the little rocks make it impossible to dig deeper.

How do other people deal with this? I hope I don't have to rent a jack hammer to plant a 2 dollar shrub!

[kdog]

You need a digging bar. It's a very heavy solid steel pole about 5' long, pointed at one end for piercing the dirt, and flattened a bit on the other end and possibly curved for prying rocks. They come in a couple of different formats. Home Depot carries them. They probably weigh a good 40 pounds. You pick it up and slam the pointed end repeatedly into the dirt, then pry against it to loosen it up. Dig out the loosened pieces with a shovel or your hands. It can be a long repetitive process, but it's good exercise! You can probably just use a pick as well, although they're difficult to maneuver once the hole starts getting deep.

[landbox]

Not sure how's the soil in Castlegate but here the soil seems to similar to what you described. Now with the cooler weather much nicer to work in the yard with lots of beautiful flowers blooming. We use the Heavy duty pick mattock for breaking hard ground and shovel to remove the soil. Can find them at HD/Lowes/Walmart.
One example:
Shop True Temper 5 Lb. Mattock Pick with 36" Hickory Handle at Lowes.com
Maybe it is the same digging bar as suggested by kdog? Get good quality ones - durable, comfortable (less injury).

Yes still hard breaking work. Use the sharp point when encountering stones (some are quite big and create sparks - thankfully no grass to start fire) Watering the soil before digging seems to help also. We were advised to add Gypsum at the botttom to loosen clay Soil.

[jen1985]

Thanks for the advice!! Honestly, I am scared to use one of those.. Knowing me it would slip and slice open my foot or head..but I'll try anything at this point!

[kdog]

Originally Posted by landbox

Not sure how's the soil in Castlegate but here the soil seems to similar to what you described. Now with the cooler weather much nicer to work in the yard with lots of beautiful flowers blooming. We use the Heavy duty pick mattock for breaking hard ground and shovel to remove the soil. Can find them at HD/Lowes/Walmart.
One example:
Shop True Temper 5 Lb. Mattock Pick with 36" Hickory Handle at Lowes.com
Maybe it is the same digging bar as suggested by kdog? Get good quality ones - durable, comfortable (less injury).

Mattock's are great, very similar to a pick axe that I mentioned previously. But, they do get hard to use on deep or narrow holes. I was talking about something like this.

http://www.epictools.co.uk/UserData/root/Products/Images/101145_0.jpg (broken link)

Either end of the bar generally looks like one of those ends that are displayed. You just pick up the bar, and slam it down into the hole, then pry off to the side to loosen the dirt.

[landbox]

Originally Posted by jen1985

Honestly, I am scared to use one of those.. Knowing me it would slip and slice open my foot or head..but I'll try anything at this point!

I have the same "fear" - but maybe it is good to be cautious and know my limits. Comfortable gloves with good grip and proper shoes help. Too hot for helmet though. Have fun and great time in the backyard. If all fails - time to get your dream jackhammer!!!

Originally Posted by kdog

Mattock's are great, very similar to a pick axe that I mentioned previously. But, they do get hard to use on deep or narrow holes. I was talking about something like this. Either end of the bar generally looks like one of those ends that are displayed. You just pick up the bar, and slam it down into the hole, then pry off to the side to loosen the dirt.

Great info - thanks. May try it.

[MaxPower123]

You might have a really soft arm.

[jen1985]

Originally Posted by kdog

Mattock's are great, very similar to a pick axe that I mentioned previously. But, they do get hard to use on deep or narrow holes. I was talking about something like this.



Either end of the bar generally looks like one of those ends that are displayed. You just pick up the bar, and slam it down into the hole, then pry off to the side to loosen the dirt.

We had something that looked like this in the garage and earlier today I was slamming it into the dirt.I think it said "wrecking bar" on it, lol. I might have fractured my arm from the vibrations from hitting the stones. It didn't hurt at first and then it hit my arm later and now it's swollen and throbbing.

I dug a hole as far as I could and I plopped a $4 dollar baby sun rose into it. I will see if it dies or lives!

[Ponderosa]

I bought an electric jack hammer with a shovel bit after seeing how easily it cut through when a nursery used one to plant some trees on my property. Got a made in China cheapo that has held up OK for home use. Should have done it years ago. A digging bar like kdog describes works pretty well too.

[kdog]

Originally Posted by jen1985

It didn't hurt at first and then it hit my arm later and now it's swollen and throbbing.

Tendonitis most likely. You'll need to baby it for a while or even put a brace on it to reduce movement. I've had it before too. It does feel like you broke your arm. I've done that as well.