How do I improve my clay soil?
by
Linda Bracy
+4
Improving my soil that is mostly clay. Would putting ashes from my fire pit mixed into the clay help?
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I think it would be better to buy compost or manure and add to soften the clay.
Adding ash to your soil increases the alkalinity of the soil. I believe heavily clay soils often already have a high ph (alkaline) so adding more could make you soil less hospitable to plants. I agree with Hor25629850 above and recommend adding in compost or manure
Peat moss.
Cotton boil mulch will help break down clay. Also layer on and work in as much compost as possible. If the clay is right at the surface then you might have to just add several inches of soil to your beds.
Add topsoil, peat moss, and compost. Work it in deep.
Maybe it's different for ashes from a firepit,; but in Maine most blueberry farmers burn their barrens every year to make the soil acidic. Azealas love acidic soils. The additions William suggested are great. You might also consider adding sand. Some plants really like sandy soil, and sometimes it can be obtained free.
Add gypsum