Hey everyone! I'm fairly new to gardening and I need some help. I'm trying to dig up a grassy patch in my garden to make space for a gravel patio, but I'm really struggling with the soil – it's super tough! I'm working with just a handheld fork, a handheld shovel, and a larger square shovel. I've soaked the ground, but it's still hard to dig. Any tips or tools that could make this easier? I really appreciate any advice you can share!
5 Answers
Honestly, you might save yourself a lot of effort by renting a mini digger. They're super fun to use and can get the job done in no time. Some places even offer delivery for a reasonable price!
Get yourself a high-quality mattock. I’ve gone through so many cheap spades that bend and break easily when trying to dig through roots. Invest in a solid one right away, it’ll save you time and hassle!
You definitely want to invest in a mattock for this job. It's a great tool for breaking through tough soil, especially if you’re dealing with heavy clay like I am. Also, just to note, there's a big difference between a spade and a shovel; using the wrong tool can make your task even harder!
Absolutely! A mattock is a must. You might also like to know that using a spade properly will make digging much more efficient. Good luck!
Consider picking up a proper steel fork – trust me, it makes a huge difference. Also, if you want to level the area like you mentioned, grab a rake while you're at it! They'll come in handy after digging up that tough soil.
If you're laying gravel, it’s critical to prepare the area properly. Make sure to mark your space, dig down enough, get some good geotextile instead of flimsy plastic, and add compacted aggregate before the gravel goes down. Otherwise, you'll end up with weeds and a mess later on!
Thanks for this! As a first-time homeowner, I definitely need to focus on getting good tools. Any specific brand you recommend for the mattock?