Clay soils are prevalent throughout the southeastern United States. Clay is one of the three soil particles including sand and silt. Clay is the smallest of the particles.

Since clay particles are so small, they tend to get packed tightly together. This 'compacted soil' is detrimental to plant health. Loose soil allows roots to maneuver freely and access nutrients and water. Compacted soils inhibit root growth.

Clay soil is often highly leached due to rain water percolating down through the soil. This soil has fewer nutrients that plants need to grow. Clay can also be acidic which binds nutrients to soil particles making even less nutritive for plants.

Improving Clay Soils

So how can gardeners improve clay soils? Adding organic matter to soil improves soil structure, helps water drain better and adds nutrients. Garden centers sell a product called 'soil conditioner' which is usually the most cost effective option but any compost will do.

To amend clay soil with organic matter, spread one to four inches of organic matter on the soil and work it into the top six inches. Do this over the entire planting area. Spreading the organic matter over the site will encourage roots to forage further and create a better root system.

Do not add organic matter to the planting holes of trees and shrubs. It is better to amend the area around the tree as described in the preceding paragraph then plant the tree or shrub. If you only amend the planting hole, roots have no incentive to spread. The roots will end up circling around the planting hole and eventually this could lead to girdling roots.

Organic matter will decompose and add nutrients to the soil. Decomposing organic matter can even mitigate soil acidity.

Add Lime

Our soils tend to be acidic averaging 5.5 pH. Our soils can be deficient in calcium as well. Lime which is a crushed rock, is typically used to raise pH and add calcium.

Even though good compost can raise pH it may not raise it enough. To improve soil, gardeners may still need to add lime to raise pH to levels that would be healthy for plants. Utilize a soil test to determine the amounts of lime and fertilizer your plants may need.