| The Director of Polhill Garden Centre, Josh Novell, has weighed in and shared expert comments about what plants to plant if your soil is clay based. Josh says, “Clay soil is a type of soil made up of very fine particles that are tightly packed together. It holds water and nutrients well, which makes it ideal for gardening, but there are some negatives associated with clay soil.” |
- Clay soil can become hard and compact over time. This can make it difficult for plants to get the oxygen they need and also prevent water from seeping down to the roots. Clay soil can also be challenging to work with when it comes to planting, as it tends to be heavy and lumpy.
- In periods of wet weather, clay soil has a tendency to become overly saturated, potentially causing waterlogging. This condition can result in root rot in plants and compromise their structure. Additionally, the surplus water reduces the circulation of air and water, creating anaerobic conditions that are unfavourable for fostering healthy plant growth.
- Clay soil contains elevated levels of nutrients like phosphates and nitrogen, which can be advantageous for specific plants. However, this can also oversupply the nutrients in the soil, potentially resulting in issues like hindered growth and yellowing leaves.
What are the benefits of clay soil?
Despite being dense and challenging to work with, clay soil offers several benefits:
- Excellent Water Source: Clay soil is great for plants that require moisture and fertility from their soil, such as foxgloves, roses, and apple trees. It has a high water-holding capacity, reducing the rate of evaporation and ensuring a steady water supply to plants.
- Health Benefits: Clay soil surprisingly has health benefits and has been used in various treatments, including wound care, detoxification, weight loss, and infections.
- Water and Fertiliser Retention: Clay soil retains water and fertiliser effectively, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who prefer less frequent watering and fertilising.
- Soil Stability: Due to its denser nature, clay soil provides stability to plants and trees, anchoring them firmly in the ground and protecting them from wind damage.
- Alkaline Nature: Clay soil tends to be more alkaline, which benefits plants that thrive in alkaline conditions, such as clematis and lavender.
How do you check if you have clay soil?
In order to determine if you have clay soil, there are a few tests you can do.
- Take a handful of the soil and attempt to form it into a ball in your hand. If it sticks together easily and forms a ball, then it’s likely that you have clay soil.
- Place some of the soil in a bowl of water and see if it settles to the bottom after a few minutes. If it does, then you have clay soil.
- Take a sample of the soil and spread it out on a piece of paper or tile to dry. If it forms hard, brittle pieces that break easily when bent, then it is likely clay soil.
How do you improve clay soil?
- Incorporate organic matter like compost, manure, or peat moss to break up the clay particles, improving water and air circulation for better plant growth.
- Add sand to the soil to lighten its texture and enhance root penetration.
- Apply a layer of mulch to prevent soil compaction.
- Water deeply but infrequently to allow moisture to penetrate deep into the soil without causing waterlogging.
Which plants can grow in clay soil?
Josh says, “Many plants native to the UK can grow well in clay soil with proper management. Some examples include bluebells, foxgloves, daisies, primroses, poppies, irises, lupins, potatoes, carrots, and onions.”
- Poppies: They do well in clay soil but need good care. They like full sun and soil that’s moist but drains well. Sow poppy seeds gently on the soil’s surface because they need lots of light. Plant annual poppies like field poppies and corn poppies in early spring.
- Apple Trees: They’re good with different soils and make flowers and fruit. They like soil that’s damp but not too wet, and it should have lots of organic matter. The pH level should be 6.0 to 8.0, but some kinds need more acidic soil.
- Roses: With improved clay soil using the mentioned steps, roses can thrive. They prefer moist, well-drained, and fertile soil. Generally, bare-root roses are best planted in late autumn or from late winter to early spring, when the weather is cooler and the soil is damp.
- Bluebells: Bluebells like shade, dampness, and coolness. If you’re growing them in clay soil, make sure it drains well by adding compost. They thrive in slightly acidic soil, so if the soil is more alkaline, use peat moss when you plant the bulbs.
- Foxgloves: Foxgloves thrive in clay soil when you add organic material. Certain types like more sun or a bit of shade. Aim for slightly acidic soil, around pH 5.5 to 6.5. Spring is the ideal time to plant them for the greatest success.
Josh says, “Clay soil can be a great choice for gardening, but it’s important to bear in mind that it needs to be managed correctly in order to get the best results. It’s important to regularly aerate clay soil, as this will help break up compacted areas and prevent waterlogging. Additionally, it’s advisable not to walk or work on clay soil when it’s wet, as this can lead to compaction and damage to the soil structure.” Polhill Garden Centre.