[andreadon]

can I just layer it up with compost/other stuff and hope that the worms will do their bit?
or would it be much better to carry on trying to dig in?

At my new house, the topsoil is really shallow.  I can't get further than one spit deep (and this is with a fork) and i can't prod further down with the tines either.
also, I get the feelign that there's no goodness in the soil at all, so I was planning on throwing loads of compost/chicken poo etc in it.

can I grow runner beans mostly this year to help the goodness?

[tode]

Hi Andreadon,
When you say "new house" do you mean newly-built house? If so, the I imagine the builders will have compacted the soil with their machines.

Either way, if you can't actually dig it prpoerly, at least go over it with a fork to prise up the earth: allows air to get in, and any dressing you put on (compost etc) will start getting into the soil.  Get as mush organic material as you can on (spread it out before doing the forking).

Although runner beans would appreciate a really rich soil, you'll still get a crop, and the roots will help break up your "concrete.

Good luck   

[plum crumble]

we had the same thing when we moved into this house 13 years ago. Found out that under my garden is the old yard from the farm that used to be here!! So, you can imagine the problems - I actually had to build raised beds in the end. My builder stepson couldn't even get through it with a pickaxe! He got sparks flying everywhere.
Try what Tode has suggested - but it might be worth finding out what was there before the houses were built..............

[andreadon]

well, new to me, anyway.
it was built in the 70s and has only ever had a lawn with a border (permanent perennials and shrubs) so it's the same soil structure.

prodding and mulching then seems to be the plan!
 

[gillie]

It is quite possible that the builders took away and sold the original topsoil.

Gillie

[digalotty]

i would go with raised beds to be on the safe side,