No need to till. That's not really beneficial, as it releases a lot of sequestered carbon and nitrogen. And if you have a soil that's compacting, you just basically reset the timer until it happens again. Â
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I don't know if sand is going to be the silver bullet, or not. I don't build real soils, because I don't have real soil that I can use here. But based off what I used to do, when I was able to plant in-ground, I would be tempted to lay down a lot of yard clippings and leaves. Maybe scratch it in to the first couple of inches. That will soften and sweeten your soil. Might take some time, but it does work. Maybe also lay down a nice heavy layer of alfalfa hay on top. Encourage feeder roots at what is now your top surface.