Digging Rocks

Teeth marks carved into the soil by the backhoe are a pretty good indication that digging down won't work (figure B). Another clue is the zillions of rocks scooped up (figure C). "We realized that we're not going to be able to dig down, so we'll have to build out," Singer says.

Rocks aren't all that biologically active, which means that they don't enhance the soil's productivity much. Singer wants to plant lavender in this cove someday (figure D), so to prepare the soil she's layered compost over the past several years (figure E) in that specific area. The compost contains plant trimmings and plenty of grass clippings.

And just as rocks can affect what you plant below ground, they can affect what you plant above ground, too. Rocks can create microclimates that may either help or hinder growth. "In the winter when the sun is at a lower arc, the rock itself is casting shadows on the north end," says Singer, "and that can spell death for a particular plant if in fact it doesn't like to stay in wet clay soil all winter long. But in the summertime, that can be a blessing."

If you still feel like you're between a rock and a hard place trying to garden in rocky soil, choose the kinds of plants that will tolerate your soil. Ask your local nursery or garden expert for the best bets. Also, know the depth of the soil that you're putting the plant into to help determine what plant size is appropriate. Using bigger potted plants in rocky soil isn't always better. The more fibrous roots found in larger potted plants often have a tougher time penetrating the hard soil. The younger, more pliable roots of this fescue (figure J) may have a better chance of getting established if they're spread out almost on top of the rocky soil.

So should you remove most rocks from the soil? "Well, sure, if you're willing to take the time to do it, and that's especially true if you're putting in a new vegetable garden,"says master gardener Paul James. "After all, vegetables are annuals and they need all the help they can get."

There are lots of ways to deal with rocky soil in the yard and garden, says James. "Either working with the rocks or around them, one thing's for sure: the less you have to dig, the happier you and your plants will be."