Improving Clay Soil

Easy Steps to improving clay soil for successful planting

In vast majorities of gardens, the soil does not match to the ideal roses prefer.

The soil gives plants footing if the roots can penetrate it well, and it stores water and nutrients. The good news is that almost all soils are suitable for roses, at least if you lend him a hand.

Knowing how to create rich loamy garden soil to improve clay soil is an important part of successfully growing roses.

Why Should We Improve Garden Soil At All

If roses could choose their soil, they would prefer to grow on medium-heavy, deep, nutritious and humus-rich soil. Who can offer that on his plot?

Fortunately, in most cases, there is a possibility to make the soil more suitable to roses.

If you know your type of soil, it is possible to improve it.

Clay heavy soils have a high storage capacity for water but compact very quickly. The soil needs improvement to correct drainage problems; remember, roses dislike wet feet!

In the other case, in sandy soils, help is needed to retain more moisture and nutrients; roses need nutrients and water to grow well, without them they almost always will grow poorly.

Wet, water-impermeable soil makes it necessary to install a drainage. Otherwise, the thriving of roses will all come to nothing.

What Are The Best Methods For Improving Clay Soil?

The best plants, the best tools and fertilizers won't help if you have clay heavy soil.

Test the Soil

The pH value is crucial for plant growth. You can easily diagnose it with a special test-kit. Roses prefer a soft acid pH value of 6.5. The pH value of acidic soil can be raised with an amount of garden lime.

Tests who help determine nutrients and trace element requirement need to be conducted by a soil testing laboratory; if needed ask at your local garden center.

This problem can be solved by amending some organic conditioners or well-rotted manure.

Blend them into the soil with a garden fork or a spade.     

Improve the Soil

Roses grow well in clay soil, but the soil drains slowly after rain. Raised beds will assist faster drainage. Avoid walking on the soil, especially after rain, because wet clay is easily damaged and compacted.

Roses have a deep rooting system. Loosen the heavy soil about 2 spades deep and dig in plenty of organic matter. It will take time and patience for applying the organic matter, but it is the most important step to improve clay soil.

To help conserve moisture and to reduce summer cracking, apply organic mulches around the shrubs.

The long-rang strategy is to add good garden compost or composted manure annually, to constantly improve the soil.