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Is Your Soil Too Compacted? Try These 2 Simple Tests

HortTube with Jim Putnam

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Is Your Soil Too Compacted? Try These 2 Simple Tests - Is your soil allowing rainwater to soak in, or is it so compacted that water just sits on the surface? In this video, I'm demonstrating two simple soil tests that anyone can do at home to better understand the condition of their soil.

I'll compare the soil in my established garden beds with an unamended lawn area using a water infiltration test and a simple shovel test. The differences are pretty remarkable! Healthy soil structure allows water, air, and roots to move through the ground, while compacted soil can make growing plants much more difficult.

I challenge you to try these two tests in your own yard and see what you discover. Let me know in the comments how your soil performs!

Thanks for watching HortTube with Jim Putnam!

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17 Comments

@jennifermcduffie6889 3 days ago

Will you be removing most of the grass in the other property? A video of this would be interesting.

@terrivance8750 2 days ago

Steph, Jim,
I've seen ya'all improve the yard w/ woodchips over the last 5 years, but that's all been in flowerbed & path areas. How does one get similar results on turf areas?
Thank you. 😊

@deechiodo6738 2 days ago

And THIS is why your channel is my #1 ..... always super informative on the level I can understand! Thank you kindly.

@jul7673 3 days ago

My woodland garden was almost stagnant this year. Nothing grew. I know root competition is a thing, but I’ve got to do soil improvement. Thanks for the inspiration.

@katherinec7698 3 days ago

I’m looking forward to seeing how you transform the neighbors yard. Using chip drop for even one season has improved our soil and the gardens are looking great.

@kso808 3 days ago

I would venture to say that soil compaction and extensive tree roots are the gardening issues of our time.

@Mindy-s-channel 3 days ago

I have a similar test that involves pulling dandelions after a good rain. If they come out easily I know I am composting and mulching appropriately. But if they do not come out then I know I need to step up my game

@jacobd5490 3 days ago

I remember a few videos ago you mentioned construction builders burying debris. Clearing a weedy patch by the house and found chunks of concrete buried, must be from an old driveway? Terrible!

I am pro tilling, it’s usually not just heavy clay but also impermeable rocks, I have much better success tilling + remove rocks + add leaf litter and compost.

@darkcorner8896 2 days ago

I am very interested in how you plan to tackle all the evasive plants next door. I have a lot of the same issues and sometimes find it overwhelming deciding where to even begin.

@judymooney 3 days ago

Such an informative video. What a beautiful palm tree. I've noticed it in your recent videos and would love to have one in my yard in Greenville, SC. You and Steph have made an oasis with your yard.

@coreyhj 3 days ago

I’m in Columbus, Ga. My soil issue has always been awful drainage. For the past two years, I’ve managed to amend the top 3 inches. However, once you dig past that it’s pure white clay. It’s so bad I’ve since resorted to using raised beds

@judymckerrow6720 3 days ago

Thank you Jim. 🍁💚🙃

@miryana7873 2 days ago

❤

@DavidSmith-tm7hp 2 days ago

Do chemical soil conditions or softeners work for red clay 7A - Tennessee.

@bonniejackson7476 3 days ago

Hi Jim this is unrelated but a friend asked if you were still going to be involved in the gardens at Johnson nursery? Just curious.😊

@TheRelaxationWorks 3 days ago

Jim, my garden beds have improved in this regard immensely over the past 3 years. Been taking tips from you. But what about my lawn areas, since I do still want to have turf in some areas? How can I improve the soil and water infiltration there?