Clay Problems

Greenhouse

Mays

Amending Clay Soil

organic or inorganic matters such as peat moss, manure, compost, coarse sand, perlite, vermiculite, aged bark or sawdust.

Add three or four inches of the matter and work it in the top six inches of the soil. Add another inch each year. (Always be sure of your pH when changing the soil and continue to check it periodically to ensure you have the right pH for the plants you are growing.)

Another solution is to add Gypsum. Gypsum is organic and neutral. It doesn't change the soil pH and it is non-toxic to humans or animals. Gypsum can be applied any time of the year. You can work it into the soil for new garden areas, or spread around the top of the ground for previously installed gardens. Be sure to water it in after you apply it. Gypsum doesn't work overnight, but over a three-year period, you should be able to see a major difference in your garden. Gypsum should be added once a year for three years.

(All items subject to availability)

Clay soil of poor structure is hard to work and hard to grow plants in. It is usually too hard, too wet, or too dry. The best way to combat this problem is by changing the soil structure. You can do this by choosing two