Gardening in Clay
You may already be aware that in newer construction, a builder will sell off the majority of quality top soil on a build site, and leave you with an inch of “good dirt,” if you’re lucky. Although clay soil packs in nutrients, and retains moisture well, it can, and usually is, a gardener’s nightmare. The tightly packed particles of clay soil drain poorly after rain, then dry to a concrete-like consistency that can make it difficult, if not impossible, to plant. The dense soil can block the spread of roots and ultimately suffocate them.
What can you do?
One option is to break up the clay soil and till in nutrient-rich compost to improve the area’s drainage and aeration. This process may take several years to reach its fullest potential. The best organic amendments include coarse, partially decomposed compost and aged barnyard manure (which can be bought by the bag at garden centers). Chopped leaves, grass clippings, ground bark or wood shavings can also be used, but may be less effective.
Before you start, make sure the soil is dry – working with wet clay will compact it even more. To determine whether your clay soil is dry enough to till, squeeze a handful of soil into a ball; if the ball crumbles easily, it’s ready for tilling. Thoroughly till a two inch deep layer of organic matter, and follow up with a one-inch deep layer each subsequent year.
Your other option is to choose plants that will grow in clay soil with little, or no, help. Perennials for clay include: Astilbe, Bee Balm, Black-eyed Susan, Butterfly Weed, Catmint, Coneflower, Daylily, Russian Sage, Switch Grass, and Yarrow. Trees and shrubs that grow well in clay include: Ash, Chokeberry, Crabapple, Hawthorn, Lilac, Linden, Norway Maple, and Viburnum.
|
William Quinn and Sons, Inc.
3860 W. 127th St.
Alsip, IL 60803
Phone: 708-389-8119
|
|
|
Home 
Contact Us | Site Map
