Clay soil presents problems for the gardener. When compacted, it can be so hard as to be almost impermeable, even with a shovel. The coarse, clod-filled texture inhibits plant root growth, and it drains poorly, if at all. To support garden plantings, the clay needs to be amended and tilled or turned with care. Overworking the clay can make matters worse, causing clods and compaction that will be nearly impossible to remedy. With care, persistence and a lot of hard work, however, clay soils can be improved and made into satisfactory garden beds.
Instructions
1. Dig up the garden area using a garden spade or fork: Dig down about 8 inches, lift the soil out and place the removed soil on a tarp or piece of heavy plastic.
2. Break up the clumps with the back of the spade or with the garden fork and shovel the loosened soil back into the area from which it was dug.
3. Shovel a 4-inch layer of organic material over the top of the loosened soil.
4. Using a spade or a garden tiller, dig or till this layer into the soil, taking care to incorporate it to a depth of 8 inches.
5. Test the resulting garden soil mix for pH and for fertility needs. Apply lime and fertilizers as prescribed by the test results.
Related posts
Soil with good drainage is an important requirement for creating a beautiful garden. Some gardeners are fortunate to live in areas with rich black soil, but in many parts of the country, clay-base...
A beautiful garden starts with healthy soil.A heavy clay soil presents a challenge to many gardeners. Flowers and shrubs thrive in loose, well-drained soil. Clay soils are slow to drain; they warm...
Clay soil must be amended before you plant a garden.Plants grow best in well-drained, fertile, sandy loam soils. These soils, when well-supplied with organic matter, are easily cultivated and prod...
Clay soil tends to be compacted and have poor drainage.Clay soil is also called heavy soil. It contains a low amount of organic matter and has little texture that maintains the structure of the so...
Healthy soil is the first step towards a vigorous lawn.Clay soil is also commonly referred to as heavy soil and is generally not considered an ideal growing medium. The soil has a high moisture co...
