How to Grow with Clay Soil

Overview

Gardeners may not always have access to rich soils and need to make due with less than perfect conditions. With a little care and preparation, you can grow a rich garden in clay soil and reap the benefits of fresh produce and stunning foliage.

Step 1

Remove any debris from the garden bed including large rocks and branches. Dispose of old plant materials and leaves as these may harbor disease.

Step 2

Break up the top 10 inches of soil with a power tiller. Shovel the broken up soil onto a tarp laid out nearby.

Step 3

Till to an additional 10 inch depth with the power tiller. Leave this broken up soil in the garden bed.

Step 4

Place a 3 inch layer of wood chips or shredded bark on top the garden bed. Till it in to the 10 inch depth that is already loosened.

Step 5

Place a 3 inch layer of compost on top the bed. Replace the removed soil from the tarp back in the bed then cover it with a 2 inch layer of wood chips or shredded bark.

Step 6

Till the bed to a 12 to 16 inch depth to thoroughly mix all the soil amendments together with the existing clay soil. Lay a final 2 inch layer of compost on top the bed before planting.

Step 7

Work in fresh compost with a power tiller every fall and spring to a 12 inch depth in annual gardens. Improve perennial gardens in the spring. Work in a 3 inch layer of compost to at least a 10 inch depth with a hand held cultivator around the plants, taking care not to damage the perennial roots.