Let's face it--clay soil is tough to dig. And even if you do manage a dig a planting hole, chances are that whatever plant you install won't do well. Roots have a really hard time spreading out in dense, compacted clay.
Clay soils also hold water like a sponge. Most landscape plants don't particularly like wet feet and can literally drown in the ground. And although clay soils hold water well, getting them to absorb them is easier said than done. There's often a lot of runoff.
Here's how to transform your clay soil into something more friendly:
- Spread a thick layer of leaves over the area.
- Sprinkle the leaves generously with blood meal and water the area well. The blood meal will hasten the decomposition of the leaves. Earthworms will be attracted to the area and they'll slowly pull the leaves down into the soil and leave behind their nutrient-rich castings.
- Next, cover the leaves with a thick layer of straw, fluffing it along the way so it doesn't get too compacted. Water well, then keep it watered on a regular basis.
- The straw will eventually decompose as well. As it does, keep adding more leaves and straw every year, maybe several times a year.
This is anything but an overnight process. It can take years to transform a clay soil into a good garden soil. But keep the faith: the transformation will occur.
)