Planting In Clay Soil
Clay tends to stick together and feels like a sticky plastic ball. Drainage and aeration is poor, but, do not despair, there is a way to improved soil, where particles are loosened into crumbs which improves airspace and drainage.
Break up the clay as best you can using a garden spade/fork or maybe even a pickaxe. I found that by adding gypsum was extremely beneficial in improving the clay soil. Approximately 1kg of gypsum to every square metre of top soil. Add in some organic matter which is animal manure/compost/ash/sawdust etc, (Tip: do not use potting mix) at a rate of around a third organic matter to around two thirds of the existing clay soil. Cultivate this topsoil as well as you can (about 15-20cm in depth). Leave a day or two before planting, then water your plants in well.
It is very important to mulch to stop the surface from caking. I prefer to use sugar cane mulch as it is inexpensive and when it breaks down it helps to improve the soil, but realistically any mulch is beneficial to any type of soil.
Finally, do not give up on your clay soil. Keep topping up with organic matter (animal manure/compost etc) and gypsum or with liquid fertilizers and clay breaker, preferably on a yearly basis and you will be reaping the benefits for years to come.
Yes, you can grow just about anything in clay soil from Australian Natives to beautiful flourishing roses.
I just want to share my experiences with people that are just starting out like me by offering handy down to earth practical advice. When we started on the landscaping (is it ever finished ?!) we got lots of advise from different people "you will never be able to grow anything" to "you can grow just about anything in clay soil". I am finding out that you can grow just about anything in clay soil with just a little know how.
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How to Plant in Hard Clay Soils
Jim's Gardening Tips # 1 Jim Zamzow gives gardening tips, how to prepare your soil for the largest yeilds. Jim Zamzow will show you how to plant in hard clay soils. (01:31)
How to Deal with Clay Soil in Your Garden
Got clay problems in your yard? God Nickel shows you how to overcome clay obstacles that may be hindering the growth of your plants by breaking up the clay with gypsum lime and organic matter such as manure or compost. (01:19)
Foundation Cracks and Expansive Soil
Tim Carter, of http://www.AsktheBuilder.com, demonstrates how to drill holes in clay soil and fill them with a special gravel to prevent foundation cracks. (02:19)
How to Install a Post Tension Foundation
This project is in a part of the country that’s famous for its expansive clay soil that really punishes standard concrete slab foundations. When the summer hits, the soil shrinks. (04:36)
How to Install a Post Tension Foundation
This project is in a part of the country that’s famous for its expansive clay soil that really punishes standard concrete slab foundations. When the summer hits, the soil shrinks. (04:36)
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There are many people that are faced with a soil problem that includes hard clay and/or a subsoil that is almost like rock. If this is the case for you then gypsum may be what you are looking for to alter the soil structure.
Doesn't work right away, but a 3 year program of applications should help improve the poor soil conditions. It is not expensive and is easy to spread where needed. Gypsum.
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Yes, you can grow healthy plants in clay soil.
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