Hi guys! Just recently begun converting my lawn to a garden plot (roughly 10x25 feet). I ran a rototiller through the area and have removed most of the grass along with a bit of the soil. The soil remains a bit compacted. Seems like I'm working with clay-ish soil. I'd like to mix in some compost to the pre-existing soil to help improve the soil structure. I am not sure how best to approach this.

Should I?
- Rent a rototiller to mix in the compost
- Double-dig
- Use a combination of broadfork, spade fork, and cultivator hoe to help aerate and amend soil

Please advise, thanks!

If you've got a broadfork, go with that.

It depends on how full of energy you are.
How deep did you roto-till?

If you want a good initial preperation, take a sand shovel and dig a hole approx. 12 inches deep , take that soil and toss it where ever you wish.
Dig a similar hole next to it, putting soil in previous hole till you have done the whole garden.
Then If you can afford it haul in a some bulk compost, or manure, spread that on top and roto-till that in .

I do this every summer to a point when I dig my potatoes which are planted DEEP, digging a hole, removing potatoes and placing remaining decomposed mulch, plant material in that hole, and then filling it in with dirt from the next potato.
I have black clay type soil and do not , deliberately break up the clumps I get when digging hole, winter freeze and snow breaks them up.
I roto-till deep once each spring but after you have done the initial deep prep. you may roto-till or not as you see fit.
I put semi-decomposed sheep manure on my garden every few years as I see fit.

I'am with the broadfork and soil admendments. . Welcome

I think opinions will be split. Depends on how much money or elbow grease you want to use. Whatever way, this year will be a learning experience.

The soil will get better over years. Clay can be fertile as it naturally holds minerals.

Location?

Nice looking ducks you've got there though Chip.

Broadfork was the winner this past weekend Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

Looking great!!!

Looks good, may phatē be with you.

Nice! Good job.
Its a little early yet, but you might also think about a winter cover crop that will break up and enrich the soil further. Alfalfa and tillage radishes are two examples of cover crops that will reach down into your soil, break it up and leave nutrients behind.
Keep us posted!

Great job,looks like you are headed for a great growing season.

I know it's late in the game, but it would have been interesting to do a fourth of the garden each way, tilled, double dug, forked, and no dig. I added the no dig as I favor that. Just strip off the soil layer or put cardboard down and then add compost on top. Let the soil organisms do all the work. I simply add home made compost to the top of the beds at the end of the season and that's all the soil needs for me.

Henderman said:Nice! Good job.
Its a little early yet, but you might also think about a winter cover crop that will break up and enrich the soil further. Alfalfa and tillage radishes are two examples of cover crops that will reach down into your soil, break it up and leave nutrients behind.
Keep us posted!

100% onboard with the cover crops Henderman All of you guys rock by the way!

Gardening is very much a team sport!

Excellent looking beds Rookie. Lot of work, will be rewarded with great plants.

Your beds look great . You are well on your way to enjoy the FREE exercise and fresh air all growing season long . Gardening is the biggest hobby in the world . Plant , weed , harvest , eat , compost and ENJOY

DAVIDRETALLICK said: Your beds look great . You are well on your way to enjoy the FREE exercise and fresh air all growing season long . Gardening is the biggest hobby in the world . Plant , weed , harvest , eat , compost and ENJOY

You forgot: Drink beer, bleed, ach, moan , grumble return to beer.