How to Loosen Clay Soil With Bark Mulch
Clay soils are difficult to grow in if they are not amended. The particles in clay soil prevent water penetration, choke out roots and do not drain water properly. This impedes plant life in the garden bed. Organic matter worked into the soil improves water penetration and drainage, and adds needed nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. Bark mulch is readily available and inexpensive, making it a suitable choice for clay soil amendment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Dig a 6-inch-deep trench around the bed if there is sod on it. Slide the shovel under the sod and lift up. Alternately, use a sod-cutter for sod removal on a large bed.
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Till the garden bed to a 12-inch depth with a power tiller. Remove any large roots or rocks that tilling brings to the surface.
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Lay a 3- to 6-inch layer of shredded bark mulch on top of the tilled garden bed. Till the amendment into the soil to the 12-inch depth that was previously loosened.
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Test the soil following the instructions in the soil test kit. You may need to bring a soil sample to your nearest extension office to find out the results.
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Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to the garden bed, as well as any other nutrients recommended by the soil test. Till it in to the bed. The decomposition of the bark mulch drains nitrogen from the soil, so it must be replaced for healthy plant growth.
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Work in additional bark mulch each spring prior to planting or each fall after your annual plants have died. Use a 2-inch layer to replace the bark that has broken down in the bed over the summer.
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Tips & Warnings
Amend the clay soil in fall for annual beds so the bed is ready for planting in spring, and amend perennial beds in spring once the soil is dry enough to work with.
Use compost in addition to the bark mulch for added nutrition and drainage.
Contact your local county or university extension offices for information on soil tests. There may be a small fee for the service.
Extreme heavy clay soils may also need perlite or other amendments before you can plant. You might also need to install drainage tiles first.
