There is no such thing as "bad soil." Some types of soil retain water longer than fast-draining sandy soil, and clay soil will retain water for a very long time. The problem is that clay soil actually holds too much water, so if you have clay soil in your garden, here are a few watering tips.
Instructions
1. Aerate clay soil by punching holes in the surface with a pitchfork or spading fork. Aeration will allow oxygen to penetrate the dense clay soil.
2. Apply river sand to the surface of clay soil, then perforate with a spading fork. When you water, the sand will fall into the holes. If done often enough, this process will eventually improve the drainage of clay soil.
3. Check the amount of moisture in the soil before you water by feeling with your fingertip or digging down a few inches with a trowel.
4. Water clay soil several times a week in dry weather. Since roots can't penetrate deep into the dense clay, they will remain near the surface and dry out more quickly than roots that can grow deep into the soil. Clay soil is rich in nutrients, but the dense texture prevents roots from pushing through.
Related posts
Maple trees need ample water and sunlight to flourish. In areas where the soil is mainly hard, compacted clay, extra effort is necessary to care for the trees so they retain water, yet excess mois...
Grey clay can be transformed into fertile soil.Any successful gardener will tell you that the secret of a bountiful harvest is in the soil. Unfortunately, few gardeners are blessed with perfect so...
Clumpy clay soil can make it difficult for plants to take root.In general, there are three types of soil for lawns: clay, loam and sand. Each type has advantages and drawbacks when trying to maint...
Test your soil for clay before planting a garden.Having clay soil is a common problem that many gardeners face. It is difficult to plant in and for plants to grow, and it hinders water drainage. I...
Hard clay soil is heavy and tightly compacted, and growing most plants, trees or gardens in this type of soil is nearly impossible. Because hard clay soil packs together so tightly, water and nutr...