Clay soil
must be softened to allow plants to grow.
Clay soil is often compacted and hard to dig into. It is most often a problem for gardeners and landscapers who attempt to get plants to grow in it. Because of the fine nature of clay, it becomes tightly pressed together when saturated with water. When the clay dries, it hardens and bakes in the sun to a rock-like consistency. There are many ways to loosen clay soil quickly and supplement it with material that will prevent it from re-hardening for a short period of time.
Instructions
1. Spray the clay soil with water from a garden hose until the top layer is moist, but not muddy.
2. Rent or purchase a tiller and place it on top of the area you want to loosen. Set the tiller blade depth to only 1 or 2 inches.
3. Turn the tiller on and move it over the length of the area in rows to loosen the top layer of clay.
4. Spray the clay soil with water from the garden hose, concentrating on any large clumps. Break up the largest clumps of clay using a pitch fork.
5. Increase the tiller blade depth to up to 6 inches and turn the tiller on. Move it across the area width-wise to loosen the soil again.
6. Spread a 2-inch layer of compost over the surface of the tilled clay soil.
7. Turn the tiller back on and run it over the surface of the soil to mix in the compost. If desired, add an additional 2 inches of compost and mix it into the soil as well.
Related posts
Clay soil can be amended so that plants can flourish.Clay soil is heavy, compacts and doesn't drain easily -- its structure is not conducive to successful planting and growing. Although clay soil,...
Break Down Clay SoilSoil types are described by how much sand, silt or clay the soil contains. Although most soil contains a combination of these particles, the exact combination determines the so...
Good-quality garden soil has a dark color and crumbly texture.Lightening clay garden soils can be a challenge to any gardener. The soil has small particles and feels sticky to the touch when wet a...
Gysum is used as a clay soil conditioner.Growing plants or grass in clay soil is almost impossible because the clay does not retain the proper nutrients. In addition, the clay hardens as it dries...
Clay soils compact, keeping air and nutrients from reaching plant roots.The ball and ribbon test provides an easy way to identify clay soil. A ball of wet clay soil can flatten into a ribbon 2 inc...
