If you are trying to grow a lush and healthy garden, you probably came across topsoil. And if you know something about this material, you should be familiar with the negative effect rocks (and gravel, debris, stones, etc.) can have on its use. If you don’t, don’t worry: we are here to help.
To keep the story short, stones, rocks, and gravel might block plants’ roots (including lawn) from reaching the nutrients, water, and sunlight they need to grow. Thus, resulting in a dying plant. Stones are non-living materials, so the problem isn’t about them “stealing” plants’ nutrients. Instead, by just “sitting” there, they act as physical obstacles blocking roots from getting the nutrients they need.
Yes, a few stones here and there won’t cause trouble. But more than that can have undesirable effects. Plus, rocks might also take up the space that plants need to grow. Removing them is necessary if you wish your plants to grow healthy and lush.
Why Remove Rocks from Your Topsoil?
Also, too many rocks can cause your topsoil to become more compact. And if you are an experienced gardener, maybe your know this already, but if you aren’t, you must know that topsoil is valuable because it is loose and rich in organic material. It provides your plants with what they need to thrive: excellent aeration, efficient water drainage, moisture retention, and proper nutrient content. A compact texture won’t help. Again, a couple of rocks won’t harm your garden, but if you have more, you must take action to eliminate them.
So, it seems clear that it is a good idea to remove debris from the surface. If you want to learn how to remove gravel from topsoil, don’t look further: you’ve landed in the right place. Read on to discover our favorite strategies to eliminate debris from your soil!
How to Remove Rocks from Topsoil?
Removing rocks, debris, and stones from topsoil is no rocket science. You can do so in three main ways: manually, using a tiller, or with a machine like a tractor or a plow.
Getting rid of debris from your garden manually is the least expensive (but more time-consuming) practice. It involves picking rocks one for one with your hands. While it can be a hassle, it is the most efficient method (as long as you carry it out properly). Using a tiller and wheelbarrow takes less time but tends to be less efficient. You might miss some small stones, especially if you are trying to get rid of gravel. Overall, the ultimate choice of a method depends on the environment, your budget, and how much effort you are willing to spend.
Buying a tractor to remove rocks from your topsoil might not be the wisest choice. But if you have one already, it might help you save some time (and effort). But let’s have a closer look at each method.
Removing Rocks by Hand
Removing rocks by hand is nothing from the other world. As you imagine, it just takes time to eliminate stones and requires a few materials. Of course, the more people work on this task, the quicker you’ll get results. Get a shovel, a container, and a sifter. You might spend a couple of hours on this task, so consider wearing comfy clothes and gardening gloves.
Start by marking the area you’ll analyze. Doing so will make the process quicker and more straightforward. Section your garden to avoid repeating sifting the same soil. Start with the big to medium-sized rocks to get them out of the way. Then, dig up to 12 inches into the ground using a shovel and place the dirt in the container. Place the sifter on top and use it to screen the topsoil for rocks. Remember that the filter must be small enough to avoid letting pass even the smallest rocks. Get rid of the stones and move to another area of the garden. Repeat until your garden is free of stones in the topsoil!
Using a Tiller, Rake, and Wheelbarrow
This method is also quite simple but faster than the previous one. Plus, it is not as effective. Start by dividing your garden into sections. Use the tiller on the designated area and loosen the soil up. Remove medium and large-sized rocks and rake the topsoil to remove smaller stones and pebbles. Lastly, sift using the wheelbarrow.
Using A Tractor
If you have a large yard, you might benefit from using a tractor with a plow attached to it. Loosen up the soil and scoop the ground with the plow. Work in sections for best results. Then, screen your topsoil through the sift and place the it back into the garden.