Working with clay soil is a challenge for any gardener.
Clay soil presents a challenge for many gardeners. Difficult to work with, clay soil slows the growth and development of many garden plants and flowers because of its compact nature, which limits the movement of oxygen to the plant roots. With work, patience and diligence, gardeners can break through clay soil and turn it into the type of earth that promotes healthy plants and flowers.
Tilth
Tilth is the physical relationship of soil to plant growth -- how well the seedlings sprout, how easy or hard the ground is to work and how deep the roots grow. Soil that is well-drained, uses water quickly, does not crust or make clumps and is well-aerated is soil with good tilth.
Testing
Prior to beginning the clay-to-good-tilth journey, have the soil tested to see what it is lacking and what nutrients the soil needs to begin reducing the clay content. Test the pH of the soil; clay soil does contain nutrients, but the pH may interfere with their ability to do the job. Contact the county extension office for your area for assistance with soil testing.
Organic Matter
The addition of organic matter to the top 10 inches of clay soils is the first step towards a healthy, workable garden bed. Dig the composted organic matter into the soil a few weeks prior to planting the garden bed, breaking up any clumps of clay encountered. Add non-decomposed material like grass clippings, peat moss or ground-up leaves in the fall to decompose over the winter. If the clay is difficult to break into, water the area, and after a couple of days work at it again. Once the organic matter is worked into the soil, add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to further enhance the soil condition, and continue to add composted material each season for ongoing soil improvement.
Mulch
Clay soil compacts, forms a top crust, cracks and dries out. To fight the effects of clay and help the soil improve, add a 3-inch layer of organic mulch over the soil and replace as required. The mulch prevents further pressure on the already dense soil, and the organic nature of the mulch will help loosen the clay as it breaks down, allowing for easy planting. Use a finely ground mulch such as pine bark nuggets during the growing season. Over the winter, cover the garden with leaves or grass clippings to add additional clay-busting nutrients and prevent the snow or rain from further compacting the soil.
Other Options
Amending clay soil takes time, and while waiting for the garden bed to improve, or if the task of improving the soil is not appealing, consider other options to still enjoy flowers, plants and vegetables. Grow plants and vegetables up trellises and walls where available, plant in containers, or build raised beds in the garden area and fill with a mix of compost and loam. Raised beds allow for instant good tilth and a well-drained site, and over time, the raised bed soil will begin to improve the clay soil underneath.
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