[Arid_gardener] Battle with Caliche

[Linda Guy]

Some have success with drilling holes in the caliche to promote drainage, so
that roots don't rot. This will depend on the thickness of your caliche pan.
There is an excellent discussion of caliche in our Master Gardener Manual,
Soils Chapter, at   http://ag.arizona.edu./pubs/garden/mg/soils/index.html
You may find that you do not have to go to the time and trouble of
completely excavating your yard.

As to the soil, here are so many wonderful native plant options that do not
require amendments: after all, they don't have that kind of  help in the
wild, now do they? Some may choose to do so, [it may make us feel more like
gardeners!], but truly, it isn't usually necessary. I have a wonderfully
lush front yard which my husband and I converted from common bermuda about 6
years ago. We killed the bermuda, rototilled, raked out the stolons and
planted. No amenements, just 3/8" minus gravel on the top to complete.

Linda Guy, MG

Gary Hellems wrote:

>   Well, this is probably not the first posting on this subject but was
> wondering if it is possible to work with caliche when it comes time for
> planting, whether it be shrubs, trees, wildflowers or for that matter,
> cacti.  I was told that to be successful, one must dig out all caliche
> in order to plant anything.  It was suggested that holes that are dug
> for plants must be filled in with a rich soil mixture with mulch.  I
> currently live in the north central part of Arizona.  Any suggestions or
> comments?    Thank you,  Regards, Gary
>
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