Is there something that will break down SOLID 18" of clay in a garden, and under sod?
We have dug down 18" and still have clay...and only clay. No soil mixture to be found! Nothing will grow. In the winter the roots always die from all the moisture. Is there anything to break this down to be a more usuable matter? What plants will grow in clay??
Veronica
Expert
You can improve any soil -- clay, sand, and everything in between -- by adding organic matter such as shredded leaves and compost. Don't bury it too deep -- six inches is fine. Or apply it to the surface and let eartworms dig it in for you.
You can also improve some clay soils by applying gypsum. A faster solution is to garden in raised beds. The beds need be only about 8 inches high for annuals, 12 inches high for perennials and 18 inches for shrubs and small trees. Fill with good quality topsoil purchased in bulk from a landscaping company. Inspect it carefully before you buy it, because there are many poor-quality soils sold as topsoil.To find well-adapted plants, search Google for "trees shrubs clay" and you'll find a number of lists. Choose the one that best fits your region.Join this conversation.
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