Turf on sandy stony area

Sg_sharp

Hello, we've recently moved and have inherited a garden that needs a little bit of work. We've pulled up slabs from an old patio'd area of the garden with the hope of turning over it. What I've found is a layer of sand and aggregate/ smallish stones which I've been trying to turn  over. One issue I've found is one area is more compacted than the rest and it's difficult to dig / turn over. I have topsoil order so my plan was to turn over, flatten, layer the topsoil and then turf over the top. What I'm not sure about is if the turf will be ok on top of these layers. Also, will the square have a different shade of green from the rest of the grass that is already established in the garden.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I've already gone through 2 forks trying to turn  this area over and want to make sure my work isn't futile!

Stuart

BobTheGardener

I would say yes, that area will likely be a problem if it is compacted and could become boggy in winter and brown in summer.  I would break it up with a pick-axe.  You could test the area by pouring on a bucket of water.  If it soaks straight in, no problem as long as you are adding a decent layer of topsoil.  If it pools for more than a minute or so, or runs off, it will need to be broken up.

Sg_sharp

Thanks for the advice. I did the bucket test. Most of the area drains within 20 seconds. About a 5th of the area it takes around 2 minutes to drain. I'll look to break that area up. Not the end of the world. 

edhelka

I agree with BobTheGardener, break it. But I also have to say it looks much better than my soil, as you have it now

Sg_sharp

Thanks, yes, I don't think it's too bad. Just a bit of work with the more compacted area. I bought a pick axe today!