Planting In Clay Soil

Yes, you can grow healthy plants in clay soil.

Clay tends to stick together and feels like a sticky plastic ball. Drainage and aeration is poor, but, do not despair, there is a way to improved soil, where particles are loosened into crumbs which improves airspace and drainage.

Break up the clay as best you can using a garden spade/fork or maybe even a pickaxe. I found that by adding gypsum was extremely beneficial in improving the clay soil. Approximately 1kg of gypsum to every square metre of top soil. Add in some organic matter which is animal manure/compost/ash/sawdust etc, (Tip: do not use potting mix) at a rate of around a third organic matter to around two thirds of the existing clay soil. Cultivate this topsoil as well as you can (about 15-20cm in depth). Leave a day or two before planting, then water your plants in well.

It is very important to mulch to stop the surface from caking. I prefer to use sugar cane mulch as it is inexpensive and when it breaks down it helps to improve the soil, but realistically any mulch is beneficial to any type of soil.

Finally, do not give up on your clay soil. Keep topping up with organic matter (animal manure/compost etc) and gypsum or with liquid fertilizers and clay breaker, preferably on a yearly basis and you will be reaping the benefits for years to come.

Yes, you can grow just about anything in clay soil from Australian Natives to beautiful flourishing roses.

I just want to share my experiences with people that are just starting out like me by offering handy down to earth practical advice. When we started on the landscaping (is it ever finished ?!) we got lots of advise from different people "you will never be able to grow anything" to "you can grow just about anything in clay soil". I am finding out that you can grow just about anything in clay soil with just a little know how.

For what to plant in clay soils please visit http://www.gardenstoreonline.info .