How do I Plant in Soil With A Lot of Clay?
Growing plants in clay soil is a frustrating project to undertake. Plants have a hard time growing when the soil has clay in it. Before you plant anything in the soil, you need to try to lighten it a little. This takes some work, and the clay soil will not improve overnight. But with diligence, you can achieve a soil that will grow a good garden. By adding humus to the soil, you will improve the clay soil for healthier plants.
Instructions
1. Till the soil thoroughly until all the big lumps are broken up. Set your garden tiller to go into the ground at least a foot deep. Continue tilling the ground until the clumps are gone and the soil is loose.
2. Add soluble gypsum to the soil according to package directions. Gypsum breaks up clay soil and is safe to use. If you are an organic gardener, add rock gypsum. According to gardening expert Pat Welsh's website, the University of California and the U.S. Department of Agriculture report that adding sand is one of the worst things you can do to clay soil.
Add 1/2 coffee can of gypsum to the bottom of each planting hole. If you already have plants growing, broadcast gypsum onto the ground. Use enough to make the ground white to resemble a light snow. Do this every three years and water the gypsum into the ground.
3. Add well-rotted horse, chicken cow or sheep manure to the soil. Work this into the ground.
4. Place 3 inches of rotted alfalfa hay, compost or leaves over the ground and work this into the soil at least 6 to 8 inches deep.
5. Plant your garden using a garden fork or hand trowel. These garden tools do not compact the soil like a spade or shovel would.
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