The type of dirt that is in my yard is clay, how can I make it easier for things to grow in it?

Question

Its horrible hard clay that doesnt drain well. ( I live in ohio) I wanted to avoid totally putting in a layer of topsoil, but I am afraid I have to to grow anything well. Is this true?

Answer 1

The only way is to add sand, rotted manure, compost & mulch. Heaps of it.

You have to dig & dig & dig all of this into the clay soil.

Its hard work but well worth it in the end.

Answer 2

first of all, let me correct the best answer for your last question. Most bulbs are bi annuals not perennials. A bi annual is something that dies or goes dormant for six months of the year.

Now the worst thing you can do is put a layer of top soil over the clay because it will create a bog and cause almost everything you plant to get some sort of disease or rot. You never put larger particles of soil over smaller ones. the water will sit in the large particles and not want to pass through in to the smaller clay particles. (you don't need me to explain why).

If you are not going to grow plants with vast root systems, like trees, it would be a good idea to turn the soil with a plow or hoe and mix some organic matter (OM) in it. that would be best, But the easiest way to fix the problem of pore draining clay soils is to add the correct amount of gypsum (you should test your soil and get the correct amount to add because what it does is it forces the clay particles to group together, So if you add a little bit the clay will break up by forming small balls of clay about 2cm in diameter, aerating the soil and making it better for draining. But if you add a lot you could literally waterproof the ground. When they make dams they add heaps of gypsum and the clay pretty much turns into concrete.

Adding OM or gypsum is the only way to fix it. But if you don't do much the best way to give your trees the best chance is to plant them really small like tube stock's because that way they will grow into the soil and wont get such a shock like a bigger plant that has been growing freely in potting mix for three years.

If you are growing big trees and that dont turn the soil/clay because when clay is dugg especially with a rotary hoe it smoothens the area where the blade of the spade or hoe went and creates a wall of clay the roots of the rtee will follow rather than penetrate. Know what I mean?, so if you went over a garden with a rotary hoe that was turning the clay over as deep as 3 feet. Three feet under the ground there will be a smooth layer of clay that tree roots will grow allong and accross. And in a storm you don't want 30 ft high trees with a root depth of 3 feet.

Answer 3

Ah,.... in gardening there are no quick cure to most problems.

Adding top-soil onto a clay base will only add absorption to the few precious inches. During heavy rains you will still have standing water until the earth absorbs.

You have to work organic material into the clay to a level of at least six inches deep. Pitch fork it, roto-till it....break up those lumps of clay any way you like. Add a variety of matter like gypsum, peat moss, sphagnum and vermiculite into the soil mix well (like you are making a cake). Let it settle and water it down lightly.

Later add earth worms. They are great at digging tunnels and providing drainage too.

You will be amazed at the results of the hard work.

Hard clay into a super sponge.

Answer 4

Have you tried adding lots and lots of organic matter?Compost and mulch.We have clay also and I've always thought I needed more topsoil or more sand. Well,the only thing that truly gets used up is the organic matter. Sand and tops soil is still there, unless they scraped it all off when they built your house. Everyone here who seems to grow the best plants ALWAYS mulch heavily. They say there is always sand in the clay but you need the organic matter to help hold the moisture in the soil.

Answer 5

Add gypsum and compost to the soil. The gyp will help loosen the clay and the compost will add organic value. The organics allow more "life" to exist in the soil, creating a better soil ecosystem. Ultimately, this means more healthy plants.

You'll need to mix the compost into the soil. If you are preparing a bed, this is easy. For the lawn, it's harder. you'll need to core aerate and add compost as a topdress.

You can use potting soil as a substitute for compost, if you have a hard time finding it in your area.

Answer 6

No. I have the same problem but perrineals grow great in it. By bulbs like Dutch Iris, Tulips, Cala Lillies or Roses and they bloom well. If all else fails plant some cactus :)

Answer 7

TRY MIXING IN SOME LIME AND GYPSUM TO THE SOIL