I got one of those mini hand-held roto-tillers that should turn over the soil. It digs 6 inches deep and 6 inches wide. Haven't tried it yet (sitting in the box for 4 years). Just need it for some small sections in back.It could have been me who mentioned it. No, but if you use it, nothing will grow there for a long time, and what little bit does will not be as thick as it was before. The pool salt can't be just thrown on the ground. It has to be watered into the soil. Use Pool Salt, not the Water Softener salt. Water Softener salt is bigger chucks and won't flow as well, and it takes longer to dissolve when you hose it down.

It's little moments like that which make me so happy I have my chickens. My brown leghorn will even preen my hand sometimes when she's in my lap, it tickles and makes me laugh. I want to put a hammock up in the coop one day but I'm afraid I would bring a good book in there and just never come out.