Articles

Trying to figure out a way to manage densely packed clay soil for a new bed I planted last weekend. I couldn’t, and also didn’t want to, excavate the entire bed to replace or amend it with organic matter and sand, but I did dig larger holes with amended soil for the plants. I worry about them soaking in tubs of water.

I’m considering puncturing a container and placing it in a hole in the bed, then throwing compost and soil in it. My hope is that the worms (that are ever-present) will snack on it and create tunnels filled with castings. That’ll both aerated the soils and help distribute nutrients.

Is this a good idea? Does it work in clay soil?

Hey all, made a wordy post yesterday and didn’t get any replies. Trying again with a more direct question and less background detail.

If you have an area of land where you would like to plant a garden, fruit trees or raise chickens/goats would you be concerned if you knew lumber was burned there and it may have been treated?

Is there any way to know if it was treated? Would you have soil tested?

I am trying to figure out how important an initial tilling is for a lawn to garden conversion in relatively heavy clay soil.

Western NY, the soil has decent organic material already but it is relatively dense – I can’t easily put my finger into it. But grass is growing just fine.

Should I till the garden rows now, or will it decompact over time if I fill the rows with a few inches of compost and cover with wood chips for a couple years?

And I guess related, are there any ideal hand tools for tilling or do I need to rent a machine?

Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone, I’m a permaculture designer from India working on food forests, edible landscapes, and water management systems. I noticed many posts here asking for help with site design, planning, plant selection, and implementation. I’d love to help where I can — even just to brainstorm or offer advice.

If anyone wants deeper consultation or a full design, I do offer that as well — usually charged per acre or per project. Rates vary depending on your needs and depth of work, and I’m happy to work flexibly.

If you’re stuck with a design challenge or just want to chat, feel free to reply or DM me.

Let’s make the world greener! Wishing everyone love and happiness 💚🏵️♻️

Nikhil Bose Back To Earth Permaculture @bte_permaculture

Hello, sub!
I’m working on a school project related to sustainable livestock management, and I’m currently focusing on the role of soil quality in pasture productivity for cattle grazing. I would like to understand, from a scientific and agronomic perspective, which criteria are most relevant when assessing whether a given soil is suitable for pasture.

Specifically:

• Which physical (e.g., texture, compaction, drainage), chemical (e.g., pH, macro/micronutrient levels, CEC), and biological (e.g., microbial activity, organic matter content) properties are typically evaluated?
• How do these properties influence forage growth, nutrient cycling, and overall pasture sustainability?
• Are there standardized protocols or recommended tools used by soil scientists or agronomists for this kind of assessment?

Any detailed explanation, scientific references, or guidance on methodologies would be extremely helpful. Thank you in advance!