By Juniegate
United Kingdom
How can I improve clay soil?
- 5 May, 2012
Featured on:
clay shade plants
Answers
Add all the humus you can find and some coarse grit. Even a mulch of lawn mowings , though they do deplete the nitrogen while rotting. If you have autumn leaves spread them on the lawn and mow them, and use the bits as a deep mulch over the winter. Empty all your used compost onto the soil. If it is acid clay a dressing of lime wouldn't come amiss.
5 May, 2012
I find this a never ending battle every year I add lots of home made compost and leaf mould both mixed with grit. The best way I find coping with clay soil is to plant clay soil lovers where possible as clay soil is rich in nutrients and a considerable range of plants will do very well.
6 May, 2012
Loads and loads of humus and grit added over the years will make the soil much easier to work. I collect horse manure as well and it all helps. Roses like clay... I have lots of climbers with clematis intertwining, all seem very happy on clay.
6 May, 2012
Isn't it nice when we all agree?
6 May, 2012
it takes years!! Lots of manure, compost, leaf mould. Mine is rather nice now after years of conditioning. But don't be put off, I see it as taming the garden!!
7 May, 2012
But you'll notice it's a little easier to work each year as long as you add stuff as above.
7 May, 2012
With difficulty but this link might help;
http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Soil-Clay/Soil%20-%20Clay.htm
5 May, 2012