How to Amend Clay Soil

Clay soil is a very nutrient-rich soil that can make your plants grow and bloom beyond belief. However, clay soil can become very compacted if there is no good drainage when it rains or it is watered. Clay soil likes to hold onto moisture. To get the soil loosened up, you would have to add other elements to it. This article will show you how to amend clay soil.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• compost
• pitch fork or shovel
• clay loving plants such as daylilies, cone flowers or fountain grass
• mulch

How To Amend Clay Soil

1. Dig 8 inches into the top layer of clay soil with a pitch fork . Break any large clumps of soil into smaller pieces and then tap with pitch fork until they crumble. Remove any large rocks or debris from soil.

2. Layer 3 to 4 inches of compost onto the top layer of soil. Mix the compost into the soil by digging with the pitch fork and turning the soil over. Continue to do this until the compost is completely mixed into the top portion the the clay.

3. Remove plants from their containers and dig a hole as deep as the container into the soil. You can do this by sticking the empty container into the hole to ensure proper depth.

4. Place the plant in hole. Fill in the dirt so that it surrounds the plant. Water the plant, paying careful attention not to over-water Clay soil holds moisture and it may drown the newly planted flower or grass.

5. Place mulch around the plant. Be sure to leave at least an inch of space around the plant so the receives adequate air and the water drains from the plant properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid working with clay soil while it is wet. The amendments you add will not mix properly into the soil.
• Use wood bark mulch. Over time the bark will break down and further improve the quality of the clay soil.