How to Compact Dirt
- 1). Fill a watering can with water. Sprinkle the water over the soil evenly. The amount of water you must pour varies according to the type of soil. It should be moist to the touch, but not saturated to the point that water runs off the soil. Though you can hand tamp without water, less dust will rise from moistened soil.
- 2). Hold the hand tamper at the top of the stick, placing one hand about an inch from the end of the stick and the other hand directly beneath it.
- 3). Stand with your feet shoulder-length apart. Press the flat end of the tamper down into the dirt firmly, allowing your body weight to do the work of compressing. Lean slightly onto the tamper as you push down.
- 4). Repeat Steps 2 and 3 on each part of the soil until all of the soil is compressed.
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