![]() ![]() We learned that before selecting the clay that will be best to use, there are many variables to consider, and in wanting to share the knowledge we gained from our experiences, we put together the tutorial below.Ĭlay is made up of the finest particles of rock eroded by wind and rain which are carried off by running water. You may find that you want to use more than one clay body if you use a variety of construction meth ods such as potter's wheel or hand building. Each clay has a specific temperature range specifications. When choosing a clay, you also need to know what type of kiln you have access to and it's temperature limits. When making any decision or researching selecting the right clay body for your application, you need to consider the end product, cost and skill level. Whatever route you choose, that doesn’t mean that you need to let clay soil ruin your gardening experience.Choosing and SelectingThe Right Clay Body And eventually, the soil in the raised beds will work its way into the ground below. By building raised bed on top of the soil and filling them with new, high quality soil, you will have a quick solution to your clay problem. ![]() Still, if you don’t have the time nor the energy to invest in improving your soil, you can take the raised bed route. It may take several years before your garden’s soil has overcome its issues with clay, but the end result is well worth the wait. Additional Tips for Amending Clay SoilĪmending clay soil isn’t an easy task, nor is it quick. Later, the whole plant can be worked into the soil to further add organic material. The roots will grow into the soil itself and act like a living soil amendment. In colder seasons when your garden is taking a break, plant cover crops. You are better off just letting them work in naturally over a long period of time. Working these larger and slower composting materials into the soil itself could cause harm to the plants you plan to grow in that space. Use these organic materials for mulch, and, as they break down, they will work themselves into the soil below. Cover with Organic MaterialĬover areas of clay soil with slower composting materials such as bark, sawdust, or ground wood chips. The heavy, slower draining soil surrounding your flower or vegetable bed will act like a bowl and water could build up in the bed. In the first season or two after adding organic material to the soil, you will want to take care when watering. Materials that compost quickly include well-rotted manure, leaf mold, and green plants.īecause clay soil can become compacted easily, place about 3 to 4 inches (7.5-10 cm.) of the chosen soil amendment on the soil and work it gently down into the soil about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.). While there are a great many organic soil amendments, for improving clay soil, you will want to use compost or materials that compost quickly. Add Organic MaterialĪdding organic material to your clay soil will go a long way towards improving it. Try to avoid walking on the soil whenever possible. As a matter of fact, until your clay soil is corrected, avoid overworking your soil with excessive tilling. In order to avoid compacting the soil, never work the soil while it is wet. Compaction will lead to poor drainage and the dreaded clods that gum up tillers and make working clay soil such a pain. Clay soil is particularly susceptible to compaction. ![]() The first precaution you will need to take is to baby your clay soil. All you need to do is follow a few steps and precautions, and your clay soil will be the dark and crumbly soil of your dreams. Steps to Improve Clay Heavy SoilĪ great many gardeners are cursed with clay soil, but if your garden has clay soil, this is no reason to give up on gardening or suffer with plants that never reach their full potential. You can have all the best plants, the best tools, and all the Miracle-Gro in the world, but it won’t mean a thing if you have clay heavy soil. ![]()
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