Re: Cult: Clay Soil
- Subject: Re: Cult: Clay Soil
- From: r*
- Date: Sun, 07 Jul 2002 07:32:00 -0000
--- In iris-talk@y..., "lmmunro" <lmmunro@h...> wrote:
> This may seem like a dumb question, but what does 'clay soil' look
> like?
The best way to describe clay soil is to describe it's distinctive
color. It has the same red-orange color as iron rust.
>How does one know they have it?
When you dig in clay, it comes up in BIG clumps. A Pick Mattock and a
good soaking with water works best for digging IMHO.
> Is this a 'bad' soil for bearded iris, and if so, what does one do
> to remediate?
Clay is full of nutrients, but it quickly becomes hard as a brick if
it is not amended with lots of compost and top soil. Clay is also
acidic, so the pH usually needs to be amended. That is why most of us
with clay will either raise our beds or remove 2/3 and replace with
quality top soil and compost.
If you do have clay soil, do not use sand unless you want to grow
bricks. Your rocks actually will help in the drainage since clay does
NOT drain well.
I hope this helps.
Connie
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