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 nutrients cannot penetrate the soil's surface. Hard clay soil can also cause water-drainage problems in your landscape, because it cannot absorb rain water effectively. Several methods exist to improve hard clay soil, most of which are natural and simple.
Instructions
1. Till the hard clay soil with a rototiller or pitchfork in the early fall. Dig down at least six inches into the soil to loosen it and make the surface porous.
2. Add organic matter, such as bulky plant compost or composted manure, to boost nutrients in hard clay soil. Work larger organic matter into the soil to improve water drainage and fertility.
3. Amend hard clay soil with lime to increase water drainage. Check for the proper soil pH required by any trees, shrubs, vegetables, flowers or other plants you're going to plant in the soil before adding lime. Lime changes the pH of the soil, so you'll need to find out how much lime you should add based on the types of plants.
4. Plant alfalfa in hard clay soil to break it up and improve growing conditions. Alfalfa has long taproots that are adept at breaking through the hard, compacted soil, allowing nutrients and water to penetrate the soil. Plant the alfalfa for one season before planting your garden or other plants.
5. Release earthworms in your hard clay soil. Earthworms help air and moisture to penetrate throughout the soil by tunneling through the hard clay. Earthworms also leave behind their excrement, or "castings," which aid in conditioning the soil and fighting plant diseases.
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