My biggest problem of gardening year is breaking up my HT soil in the autumn due to excessive compaction. Is investing in a sturdy broadfork my best alternative or is there something easier I should know about? I continue to add copious amounts of organic material to this plot but the clay is winning the battle. Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you.
COMPACTED CLAY SOIL IN HIGH TUNNEL
Raised planting beds?
Raised beds sounds like good idea. Is the clay found everywhere on your land? I can definitely relate. We have red, yellow, and gray clay many places in our soil. However sometimes you can find certain spots that aren't quite as bad or solid clay. Amending sounds like you're on the right track.
Belgrade, Mt elev 4459', clay- not granite? Granite sand, granite clay, cold summers. Greenhouse needed.
The title says HighTunnel, they want to know what to do with the soil.
Got kicked out- Didn't finish. High Tunnel is a walkin seasonal style greenhouse, not a city. These are used over the soil existing. Belgrade, Mt - been there- the soil is both granite and clay unless along those riverbanks.
Clay is next to impossible to amend, the particles are too fine. Adding mulches, composts doesn't help but temporarily as the clay silts back down. My memory is of the Colorado Springs area and the absolute hardness of the sand and rock from hollowing that mountain out. You have the same issue- with less pyrites and sylicates though. Of all methods used to amend clays, I have never heard of a truly successful viable attempt.
Hence everyone else's two word answer- raised beds. If you can locate decent decent fills for them....if extensive area is needed, building over the hardpack with topsoils to certain depths might work...I have no data on this tho.
What may I ask do you want to grow. Many people on here will often recommend native plants because they will be adapted to your specific soil and growing conditions in your area.
Here in my clay soils, I do well with Columbine, Dead Nettle, St. Johns Wort, Asters, Hen & Chicks, Roses, and Daylily.
Tomatoes, Sweetcorn, Green Beans, Beets, Sweet Potatoes all do fine in our tilled and amended areas.
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