Hi, I would like to recommend that you do some research about azaleas before you plunge in with rather expensive large plants. Plus, it is backbreaking work if you dig holes by hand. My neighbor put in a strip of azaleas and he completely removed all the native soil to 16 inches - filled in with landscaping mix, manure, etc. You may have to do heavy amending to your soil before it will accomodate your plant needs and a soil test would assure you of proper PH, too. Lupineloon

I agree with lupineloon, you need to know the soil first. Once you have that down you can always rent a roto-tiller and break up the soil. Once it's broken up add the needed amendments then it should be much easier to plant.

If you have a lot of time on your hands I read about this idea for breaking up the worst soil, plant some potato. They will spend the season breaking up the soil for you and the next season you'll have a much easier time. The only thing is that a potato plant will need a lot of water, so it is a little high maintenance.

azaleas do not like clay soil. Maybe it would be good to select a plant that does well in the soil you have.
Even if you try to amend the soil, it may never be enough (unless you want to remove all the soil and replace) - the roots will eventually grow to the clay soil.
In our area - these plants become problematic when they are situated in conditions that they do not like ( full sun and poor soil) I see lots of azaleas with insect problems. It is best to locate in part shade, good soil, and a nice layer of mulch.
Mike

My area has that hard red clay, and azaleas do very well. Without amending. I'd plant them in my yard if I had any shade.

crystal vision, we use an auger to plant, but it doesn't require two people. It's fairly heavy duty, but not enormous or terribly cumbersome. We use it for large plants as well as annuals and perennials.

Other than the digging part, I have learned to love the red clay. I've not found anything (yet) that doesn't thrive after planting. I come from coastal SC (lots of sandy soil), so was DREADING trying to grow in stuff.

I was very, very wrong. You can learn to appreciate it, too.

I'm not sure how effective it will be to you, but you might try a trenching shovel. Its only about 4 inches wide, but very sturdy and will break through even the black clay in south Texas.

Here is a link that might be useful: mytscstore.com