Soil Screening Tools That Make Rock Removal Easy (well, easier at least)

And a first look at new steel 4x8 raised beds

Rocks are a natural part of soil, and breakdown to help form soil, so I don’t usually worry about them too much in my garden. But with my new steel 4x8 raised beds that I want to use specifically for root crops like beets and carrots (among other plants), it makes sense to be a little more careful about the soil composition. Especially since I am in control of it.

Sifting soil is labor-intensive work. But I have a few ways that make the job go quickly.

My basic soil screening tool list looks like this:

• A wood frame with strong, large-grid wire

• Hardware cloth cut larger than the frame

• Hand tools and buckets

• Gloves

• Something to prop the frame on

Knowing where the rocks need to end up determines where the screening takes place. In this case, I want the rocks to go around my new bed and help hold down the hardware cloth. That means screening at the destination instead of at the source. Luckily my tractor can carry a big load out to the garden, and I can work on sorting out rocks right there on site.

My set up consists of an old gate that has a wood frame and 4” wire on it. The frame is about 32” by 40” (roughly 82 x 100 cm). The hardware cloth I am using has 1/2” squares and it’s cut to over hang the frame.

The key to success is having the hardware cloth float over the frame.