The soil under my house is about two inches nitrogen-free gravel with a solid hunk of clay underneath, so I’m thinking I’ll make roof tiles and trade those for food. Especially because I kill every green thing I touch.
Excellent advice. I’d suggest the first year or two sow tillage radishes (daikons) thick. Their giant roots break up the hard clay soil and then you let them rot in place to add organics and nutrients deep in the soil.
But test the soil first. Get an idea of what heavy metals or other contaminants are there. Some soils can be remediated and made safe for crops, some are so polluted they’re better used for flowers and trees and native plants and wildlife.
The soil under my house is about two inches nitrogen-free gravel with a solid hunk of clay underneath, so I’m thinking I’ll make roof tiles and trade those for food. Especially because I kill every green thing I touch.
Sounds like you might want to look at the no dig methods. Charles Dowding is a good resource.
Take a year to look at how the sun hits the land and form a basic plan. Iteration is the key.
Start a compost pile, turn it often. This will be your soil.
Save your cardboard from deliveries, take off all tape and labels. This will be a compostable weed barrier.
Get some free wood chips from arborists. This will help retain water reducing the need to irrigate.
Lay down 2 layers of cardboard. Then spread out 6-8 inches of wood chips on top of that. Then spread your compost deep enough to sow your plants.
Excellent advice. I’d suggest the first year or two sow tillage radishes (daikons) thick. Their giant roots break up the hard clay soil and then you let them rot in place to add organics and nutrients deep in the soil.
But test the soil first. Get an idea of what heavy metals or other contaminants are there. Some soils can be remediated and made safe for crops, some are so polluted they’re better used for flowers and trees and native plants and wildlife.