HELP it grow?

Question

I have clay dirt in my yard. I need some nice curb appeal, and can not get anything to grow. I planted spiral trees in the front flower bed they died two weeks later. any suggestions on types of plants or procedures with clay dirt?

Answer 1

Add as much compost as possible, correct the drainage and aeration if needed (it usually is!) and choose plants that can tolerate heavy clay soils.

Compost really is your friend when working with clay -- it'll
improve the the soil and make it easier to work.

Also, get a soil test.

Some reading for you:
http://www.bachmans.com/tipsheets/Soils/WorkingWithClaySoil.cfm
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jsp?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/gp_clay_soil.xml&catref=cat10004

Also, most trees and shrubs establish best when planted in early fall.

Answer 2

Well, before you plant anything else, you need to amend the soil. You will need to till up the area you want to plant and add things like Dried grass clippings, leaf litter, composted vegetation, peat, composted manure, sand, top soil and then till again. Water the area well and cover it with straw and let it all compost until next spring at which point you will see a dramatic difference in your clay soil. Each year be sure to add more ammendments while working carefully around your plantings and soon you won't see any clay at all. I live in OK and we have clay running out our ears. I had to do this very thing to get good soil and now it's great.
Good Luck