Question on amending clay soil

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
black77 Harrisburg, PA(Zone 6b) Aug 08, 2008

Hello,
I have a problem with drainage because my soil contains too much clay. I've dug a
new flower bed and have added much peat moss and leaf mold. now the soil separates
easily and drains better, but there are little chunks of clay all through the soil.

My question is this:
what will happen to the clay? will it remain clay and I'll have to amend it again
or will all the ingredients blend together to form good soil?

This message was edited Aug 7, 2008 10:30 PM

This message was edited Aug 7, 2008 10:32 PM

Post #5384111
Quote
dp72 Woodway, TX(Zone 8a) Aug 08, 2008

Expanded shale is a new product for loosening clay soil. It's not cheap, but it doesn't break down like organic matter does. Once you put it in the soil it's there "forever."

If you continue to add organic matter such as mulch to your bed, it should be fine. A layer of several inches of mulch this winter would be excellent. It will percolate down into the soil and make a finer bed to use next spring. You don't have to buy it. As you mention, mulched leaves and grass clippings are great.

Post #5384146
Quote
NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Aug 08, 2008

I've amended my clay soil just as you described and it's doing fine. I also have chunks of clay that I can't get broken up but they haven't bothered my plants at all. I have lots of very healthy, beautiful plants in spite of the clay. BTW, I planted in it right after I amended it and the plants did great.

Post #5385870
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP