Many of us in this area have clay soil but it shouldn't deter anyone from planting food or a floral garden. Clay is full of minerals and beneficial nutrients and just needs to be amended before planting with compost, manures or any organic material to help break it up.
Contrary to what has been said in the past, sand is NOT a good idea for breaking up clay.
The key is to make sure there is good drainage but the best and easiest thing to do is use raised beds however, if you are planting into the ground after amending, test that the water drains out of the hole before planting. If the water pools then the clay may be hydrophobic and is best not to plant into unt il the ground has been amended successfully which may take some time.
Some plants that are happy in clay are:
- Deep rooting (or have long tap roots) which helps to break up soil - daikon radish (leave some to rot in soil), globe artichoke - leave the roots in the ground after harvesting and chop and drop the foliage, comfrey, hairy vetch
- Yarrow
- Ground cover crops that will break down quickly and add lots of nutrients and organic matter- buckwheat and clover
- Roses but they do need lots of organic matter for drainage.
Other vegetables which tolerate clay are:
- lettuce
- kale
- onions
- leeks
- chard
- spinach
- beans
- cauliflower
- corn
Pumpkins and members of the squash family do need amended soil.
Broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts like the stability of the firmer soil.
If you need further information, please don’t hesitate to ask me at a meeting.
Thank you
Happy gardening