clay to free draining soil

berarde · May 2023

I've moved house so a new garden to work on as has been somewhat neglected. I've not had a garden with clay soil before so i don't know whether its milder clay or heavy clay. I really want to have a clematis tangutica (helios) which I had and loved in the last garden but they don't like non-free draining soil.

How do I tell the degree of clay, and how can I make it more free draining?

Fairygirl · May 2023

You need to add loads of organic matter to it, and let that do it's job.
I don't know if it's a bare plot or already has planting, but if it's bare, you can add loads of manure, even if it's fresh, and leave it to work in. It's surprising how quickly that helps.
You can also buy it bagged, and you can add any compost or similar too, or things like chicken pellets, and those can be added regardless of any planting, although it would be better to wait and see what's already there in the garden before doing anything major .

However, I don't know your conditions/climate either, so I can only state what I would do - and have done on several occasions. I've never gardened on anything but clay, and it's often heavy and compacted, and that's compounded by our climate here.
The alternative is to create raised beds if you want to plant soon, and fill them with bought in soil etc, depending on that you want to plant, and aspect etc.

I've done both methods, and often in the same garden.

bédé · May 2023

Do a soil test.

Get a jam jar. 3/4 fill it with a soil sample. Top up with water and shake. Allow to settle.

Bottom layer is stones and grit,
Next sand
Next silt
Next clay
Next organic matter.

To make it free-er draining, increase grit, sand and organic.

Or, choose plants to suit the soil.

clay to free draining soil

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