Re: Re: Cult: Clay Soil
- Subject: Re: [iris-talk] Re: Cult: Clay Soil
- From: S* B*
- Date: Sun, 07 Jul 2002 07:39:00 -0700
Hi
The color of clay depends on your location, as with the pH. My clay is
a sticky gray and I believe it is also
alkaline. If you try to dig when your soil is wet, your shovel (if you
can get it out) will come away with sticky
gobs of dirt which in my case will dry on your shovel like cement. Clay
soil is very hard to work with. It
generally isn't great for growing things because the individual grains
are so small that they can pack together and
deprive the plant roots of needed oxygen.
Sandra
rebloomva wrote:
> --- 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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