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Sanity Check: Laying turf over stoney soil

davidgvallancexT0yK6_4davidgvallancexT0yK6_4 Posts: 11
in Problem solving
tl;dr: My garden has consistently stoney soil (nothing bigger than 10mm). Can I dig in compost and lay turf on top? Or do I need to excavate down and replace with soil?

Longer version.

I bought a house on the west coast of Scotland. The garden was likely a beach at one point and has a mix of soil and small (10mm) stones. I've dug down 40-60 cm and it just keeps going. I've turned over out a section, removed all large stones, and the photo below is what I'm left with.



Does this look like an acceptable starting point? From here, I plan to dig in compost, spread a layer of thin top soil, and lay down the turf (not seeds).

From what I've read, other options are:

1) Riddle the soil. This feels impractical at scale. I've got ~100m to do and the soil is like this down to ~60cm. I painstakingly lifted gravel from the same area and it was backbreaking work to shovel and bag up about 2 inches of the stuff!

2) Excavate and refill with compost. This feels beyond me with a spade. Hiring machines and skips isn't something I can afford right now.

Posts

  • davidgvallancexT0yK6_4davidgvallancexT0yK6_4 Posts: 11
    I meant to say, I watched this video from Gardeners' World and he seems to have more (and larger) stones than I do.

    https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/how-to-prepare-the-ground-for-laying-turf/
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It'll be fine mixed with a bit of better soil, just as you're planning. Grass needs very little soil to grow well, so I don't think you need to worry too much. Drainage is important to counteract the rainfall, and you'll certainly have that   :)

    I created a lawn here some years ago, with much poorer soil than you'll have.   ;)
    Good luck with it  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • davidgvallancexT0yK6_4davidgvallancexT0yK6_4 Posts: 11
    Fairygirl said:
    It'll be fine mixed with a bit of better soil, just as you're planning. Grass needs very little soil to grow well, so I don't think you need to worry too much. Drainage is important to counteract the rainfall, and you'll certainly have that   :)

    I created a lawn here some years ago, with much poorer soil than you'll have.   ;)
    Good luck with it  :)
    Perfect! Thanks so much :D
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