For The Gardeners Who's Soil Is Mostly Clay, There Is Still Hope

Some gardeners have the unfortunate disadvantage of working with soil that is made up of heavy clay particles. An overabundance of clay like this is far from the definition of the “ideal soil” to garden with.

Most people who are avid gardeners strive to produce soil that resembles moist bread crumbs that are rich, loose, yet a bit on the crumbly side. Working with heavy clay soil, on the other hand, is like working with thick fudge. It is cold, slippery and extremely dense.

When heavy clay soil is saturated with moisture, it can become virtually structureless. Consider quicksand as a perfect example of just how much of a lack of structure soil has that is mostly clay. Once a heavy rain session is over then the soil may even become hardened which deflects water and prevents important nutrients from reaching perennials and your other garden beauties.

Heavy clay soil is just that, heavy! This is true regardless if it is wet or dry. If you are digging out heavy clay soil areas, it will eventually begin to feel like you're shoveling heavy metal balls. Far too many perennials can be prevented from blooming due to poor drainage that heavy clay soil can cause. Much of the water that is produced after a heavy rain can end up bunched in a puddle, which perennials do not take kindly to, and can perish.

Are there any positive upsides to gardening with soil that is made up of heavy clay particles?

Although the outlook looks grim, there are a few advantages to working with clay soil when compared to lighter type soils. Clay is abundant with nutrients and it does retain water well which can complement certain gardening situations. And you can take advantage of this high nutrient-based clay soil by simply adding organic matter to the mix. Organic matter can remedy the soil from its gardening unpleasantness and change it to a soil that requires less water, as well as less fertilizer than a sandy or silt soil would need.