Heavy Clay Soil?
Question:I have recently developed an interest in gardening. I have a small bed that for the past 3 years or so, has not been maintained and is in full sun. I have just begun to plant and maintain the bed. Yet whenever I water it, the soil becomes muddy on the surface and the water does not soak through to the lower layers. I did some research and I believe that I have heavy clay soil. How can I amend it without harming my plants?
Answers:
Patricia's got the right idea. It may be easier at this point to add commercial potting soil and work it into the soil around the plants. This will add organics to the soil and very often that will increase the porosity and absorbency of the soil.
Also, be sure that you use a layer of mulch in your beds. The mulch helps maintain better moisture balance, keeps the area from being muddy and as it breaks down, it becomes organic material in your soil. It also looks nice.
Good Luck!
Slowly dig sand and peat moss into the soil, with a small hand spade if necessary. The sand will help the drainage problem and the peat will help with drainage and add nutrients that clay soil typically doesn't have.
That is not a good median for putting plants in. You will probably have to dig it up alitte, mix in some sand, potting soil, and some horse manure if you can get it. After you have planted the flowers or plants, make sure you mulch it. Mulch will eventually work its way into the soil and help your clay situation, but this takes some time. Good luck.
Start a mulching program, spread a good 2-3 inches of grass clippings around the plants. This will help to retain soil moisture and add nitrogen and add organic matter to your garden.
This fall after the growing season is finished add a good 6 inch layer of compost, animal manure (except dog or cat), leaves or any other organic matter you can get your hands on. We are big fans of using free material as opposed to using commercial product that you have to go and buy. Till the material into the soil. The material will breakdown over the winter. After a few seasons of this you will have great soil, full of life and ready to grow anything.
Check out our website for more gardening ideas at-
http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.c...
Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!
lots and lots of mushroom compost,and lots of peatmoss.and some older horse crap
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