Gardening - Q&A: New Garden in Clay Soil

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Q&A: New Garden in Clay Soil

Question: What should I mix with my clay to make my garden flourish? The soil is workable, but it has a reddish color and is a bit stiff. Should I use sand, or peat moss?

Answer: First of all, work in your garden only when it is reasonably dry. If you work clay soil while it's wet, it can set up like brick. Adding sand to clay soil can make conditions even worse. Organic matter, and lots of it, is the best cure for clay soil. Sources of organic matter include aged livestock manure, leaves, grass clippings, and the like. Peat moss will work, but other sources mentioned here are often free. You can pile them on top or till them in. If you do the latter, you should wait for several weeks before planting to allow time for the material to break down. Compost is another key ingredient for improving soil, so start composting your kitchen scraps, shredded newspaper, and yard waste.

Content provided by the National Gardening Association