How to Water Clay Soils

There is no such thing as "bad soil." Some types of soil retain water longer than fast-draining sandy soil, and clay soil will retain water for a very long time. The problem is that clay soil actually holds too much water, so if you have clay soil in your garden, here are a few watering tips.

Things You'll Need

• Compost Makers
• Garden Hoses
• Lawn Aerator
• Pitchforks
• Sand
• Spading Forks

Instructions

1. Aerate clay soil by punching holes in the surface with a pitchfork or spading fork. Aeration will allow oxygen to penetrate the dense clay soil.

2. Apply river sand to the surface of clay soil, then perforate with a spading fork. When you water, the sand will fall into the holes. If done often enough, this process will eventually improve the drainage of clay soil.

3. Check the amount of moisture in the soil before you water by feeling with your fingertip or digging down a few inches with a trowel.

4. Water clay soil several times a week in dry weather. Since roots can't penetrate deep into the dense clay, they will remain near the surface and dry out more quickly than roots that can grow deep into the soil. Clay soil is rich in nutrients, but the dense texture prevents roots from pushing through.

Tips & Warnings

• Amend clay soil with organic compost and river sand at planting time to improve drainage.

• Remember not to overwater clay soil.