• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Amending-Soil.jpg

Amending Soil

I am in the process of putting in a new landscape. What can I do to amend the clay soil?

Organic matter is the key to improving clay, sandy or rocky soils.  It helps improve drainage in clay soil and increase the water-holding ability in sandy and rocky soils.  Add at least a 2 to 4 inches of compost, peat moss or aged manure to the top 12 inches of soil. 

Use organic mulch such as woodchips, evergreen needles or shredded leaves directly on the soil once the beds are planted.  As the mulch decomposes it adds organic matter to the soil below further improving the soil. 

It takes a time to build good soil, but it is well worth the effort.  Some gardeners decide to shorten the process by buying blended topsoil.  These gardeners replace the existing soil or create raised planting beds.   Shop at a reliable source recommended by friends and relatives.  You do not want to spend money for the same or worse soil than you already have.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now

April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW