Q&A for How to Amend Clay Soil

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I have grass planted in heavy clay soil. It is near the forest, so I have the availability of leaves to mulch over it to add compost. How can I renovate the new lawn I have without tilling the soil?

Ninox

Top Answerer

You can grind the leaves and spread it all over the lawn. For a better result, do it from late autumn to early spring.

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Question

We grow a garden every year and we tried to get the ground right. It's hard, clay is something that's really difficult to grow in, especially sweet potatoes. What can we do?

Ninox

Top Answerer

To grow sweet potatoes you need a basic light soil. You can improve it by adding limestone and small amounts of sand. You can also add humus to help the plant.

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Question

How do I amend clay soil if I don't have money?

Community Answer

You can do so with shredded newspaper. Place the paper in trenches cover with soil.

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What can I add for drainage if my yard is all clay and I need to plant grass?

Community Answer

Aerate your lawn. We live in central Virginia and everything is red clay soil. Our lawn was doing okay, but after I aerated for the first time, it looks great. This helps with drainage, allows your lawn to breathe. It is a good idea to do this in both the fall and spring, before you seed and fertilize, so that the seed and fertilizer gets down to the bottom.

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Will grass cuttings help improve clay soil quality?

Community Answer

Yes, but you need to add a thick layer--around 8 inches--preferably in autumn where if kept wet will rot down over the winter. Dig in any remaining on the surface in spring.

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Can I plant magnolias in clay soil?

Community Answer

We live in Southern California in an area where the soil is mostly thick, grey clay, and there are ten magnolia trees on our street that have been thriving.

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