How Do You Remove Salt From Garden Soil

[annominous]

Part of my garden was accidentally contaminated with rock salt. I have removed about 3 inches of the soil so that I could not see any more salt. I put some new plants in but they have all died. Is there any way that I can remove any remaining salt without having to dig out the soil again.

[gingejbee]

Flood the area with water - lots of it?

[gingejbee]

....on the basis that you either dig it out, or dissolve it out. It should dissolve and drain down and down - out of reach of plant roots.

[rowanwitch]

try salt tolerant plants
http://www.salinitymanagement.org/Salinity%20Management%20Guide/cp/cp_6.html

[annominous]

Many thanks for your reply, Ginge. I will try that, but I am wondering how much is 'lots'. There have been some heavy downpours since this accident happened and I thought that would do the trick. I don't want to replant until I am sure that the salt is all away. By the way, I should have said that I replaced the soil that I dug out with two bags of compost. The area is a small rockery about three metres long by one metre wide.
Thanks again
Ann

[annominous]

Thanks, Rowanwitch for that good suggestion and the very interesting link. I think the cistus and the armeria that they suggest would be lovely and would have a fighting chance. So, it seems that anything that does well at the seaside is the answer.
Ann

[gingejbee]

I was thinking a fine mist over several hours (hope you're not metered!)- but the idea of salt-tolerant plants is a goodie. Perhaps after a year or two, try other plants. Good luck...

[Wak]

Do you think that HOT water would dissolve the salt a bit quicker?
Just a thought!

[annominous]

Thanks, Wak
Seems worth a try
Ann