i have clay soil?

Question

we live where the soil is mostly clay. any suggestions on what types of flowers to plant in the spring? we live in the country with lots of acres. we bought it from a couple who NEVER planted one thing. not even a tree, ( southen ohio area).

Answer 1

You can plant any of the flowers that are native to southern Ohio, click on the link under Sources for more info.

You can also start working on improving your soil. There are a number of ways to do this. The easiest is by building raised beds and adding organic material in the form of compost.

Visit our website for more gardening ideas at-
http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.com/soil-improvement.html

Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!

Answer 2

The most success remedy for clay soil is gypsum. Add to the soil with organic matter. It only needs to be added to the soil up to 3 times (once a year) depending on how 'clayey' your soil is, it permanently stays in the soil to create air and drainage passage for the soil. PH tests do not show how much clay is in the soil, they only show the acidity/alkalinity of the soil. Over the years the soil will gradually improve, and always add as much organic matter as you can. There is no quick fix for clay, just gradual improvement. There have been a lot of questions asked about clay soils on this site lately use the search for questions at the top of the page and you will get some more suggestions. Check out the BBC gardening site. England has very clay soils and see what plants they suggest. I find English trees and shrubs cope well especially if the soil is kept moist. Good Luck.

Answer 3

This is just in case you want to know.... Add Gypsum to the soil. It breaks up clay soils and allows for better drainage.I'm from Columbus Ohio, but moved to Southern Calif. when I was 1 yr. old. Your very lucky to have land. There isn't any here anymore. Why don't you throw some Rye grass out just to help the soil? Then, I would plant a whole forest of trees! And Bulbs, and something to attract the Lightening Bugs. I can't suggest any right now, I am not sure of the weather there. Byee, Merry Christmas!

Answer 4

When we lived near Denver, our soil was almost all clay. We manufactured some top soil by added tons of sand and cow manure to the soil and tilled it in. We ended up with a very nice lawn.

We also dug out the areas for flower beds and filled in with sand and potting soil to get something plants would grow in.

As other answers have said, you need lot of organic matter to ammend the clay and get a soil things will really grow in. The religious use of gypsum will also help break up the clay.

Answer 5

Not much will grow well in clay soil. It doesn't drain well/at all.
Remember Gypsum doesn't work over-night, it takes yearly applications over a three-year period. But Gypsum can eventually help improve the soil structure in heavy clay or hardpan type soils.
If you have a tiller fine if not rent one for about $50 to $75 a day.
Purchase some gypsum a and several bags of sand and a {load }of compost.
work it all into the soil if you can afford a load of top soil I'd add that as well. You could even add a load of sawdust if you live near a sawmill. If you have a truck you can save lots by picking it up yourself.
You will better understand what gypsum does if your read the link below
Gypsum Helps Recondition Clay And Hardpan Type Soils
http://www.humeseeds.com/gypsum.htm
Old saying for soil is to
"compost, compost, compost."
It's the main ingredient

Answer 6

I would till or even aerator the area which involves taking a machine that pulls out about 3 inch plugs of the soil to allow water and nutrient's to penetrate the soil you can use gypsum pellets or even shultz makes a granule that loosens up soil to allow better drainage.I would water often as well when the weather comes for it.

Answer 7

Firstly you should introduce a large quantity of compost &
good qualility manuare to the soil in which you want to plant,
sand would be helpful as well as it improves drainage , dig this in thouroughly & you should be able to plant a myriad of
species this from a logistic point of view is only managable
for small areas but will provide a wider range of plant life
for you to enjoy.

Answer 8

I study horticulture in Colorado and our soil here is also mostly clay. Compost is really the best thing to mix in your soil. When you mix sand in with clayey soil it can sometimes make a hard concrete-like mess. Also, the compost adds organic material and actually improves the soil, sand does not.

Answer 9

hi,
Merry Christmas

On clay-soil you can plant bulbs.The only thing is that the bulb must be in some soft soil.If the roots gets into the clay you surely will have bigger plants,leaves and flowers.
Success

Answer 10

i live in Ohio too.northeastern. i have planted many things in my clay soil. all doing very well thank you. i have roses, mostly shrub and rugosa and a few flouribundas. viburnums,some evergreens,a clethra,green ash , Washington hawthorn,even a crape myrtle.just too name few. clay soil is not all bad. it holds moisture well, which means less watering,holds nutrients longer.but i do amend mine with shredded leaves yearly.