I recently made two raised garden beds and filled them with dirt that was moved from our back yard. I plan to direct compost in them before planting but there are a lot of rocks throughout the soil, but I plan to rake off the top layer of rocks. Will the rocks that are deeper in the soil be a problem?

As far as the plants are concerned I suppose it could be good or bad, or really in most cases make very little difference. But, I don't want any rocks in my beds, I just hated trying to dig in beds with rocks.

You don't say how big the rocks are, but if they were small enough to shovel with the dirt, they won't bother most plants except root crops... they get misshapen in rocky soil.

About composting in place: that could get messy and counterproductive unless you plan to let the compost cook for about six months before planting. Spot composting in larger inground gardens can be effective, but I'm not sure about a combo compost pile/raised bed plan. Maybe I don't understand what you have in mind.

NMoasis said:
You don't say how big the rocks are, but if they were small enough to shovel with the dirt, they won't bother most plants except root crops... they get misshapen in rocky soil.



About composting in place: that could get messy and counterproductive unless you plan to let the compost cook for about six months before planting. Spot composting in larger inground gardens can be effective, but I'm not sure about a combo compost pile/raised bed plan. Maybe I don't understand what you have in mind.

The rocks vary in size but are about pebble size to a few fist size. I was going to cover the top with some potting mix so only deep tap roots would reach the rocky soil.

I recommend blending the potting soil into the top several inches of your native soil so there isn't an abrupt change in texture and soil composition.

Ok. Thank you

The rocks will be a problem for both young plants as well as roots. I have had to keep a bucket for weeds and one for rocks in the past. Keep at it and eventually you'll not have a problem.

My father sent his whole life removing rocks from the farm fields . I am following his example . I am very fussy and never can stop picking them . I swear the stones get together in the garden in the winter and make small boulders .