Clay soil can be notoriously difficult to work with, and it has a tendency to become waterlogged due to lack of drainage, but, if managed well, it can be an excellent environment for certain plants.
Do I have clay soil?
Clay soil tends to feel dense and sticky, and when you rub it between your fingers, it feels smooth, rather than gritty. If you can roll it into a ball or sausage without it cracking, and you then get a shine off the moist surface by rubbing it, the chances are that you’re working with heavy clay soil.
Can I garden with clay soil?
While clay is heavy to dig and slow to drain, on the flip side, it retains water well and is often rich in plant nutrients. You will need to dig and plant when it’s dry but workable, which is sometimes a small window between the baked-dry spring and wet winter. Trees and shrubs might do better than plants that require frequent sowing or moving.
Is there anything I shouldn’t do with clay soil?
Try to avoid walking on wet clay soil, as it damages the soil structure. While lighter items might sit on top of it easily enough, if you have something heavier, like a Charles Taylor garden furniture set, it would be best to have a patio or wooden decking area. This goes for any areas of the garden you need to access when wet – you could consider putting wooden walkways down.
While it certainly takes a bit of management, don’t write off your clay soil garden. With a bit of know-how, there’s no reason why you can’t have a plant-rich, useable outdoor space.
