Knowledgebase

Amending clay soil?! #394649

Asked April 19, 2017, 4:44 PM EDT

Hello MSU Expert!!  Sadly, I have determined my garden's soil is clay based and I would like to know the best way to amend it?  I have never used mulch in my garden.  Do I need to amend the soil first, before adding mulch?  Or is there a particular mulch that I need to amend the soil???  Thanking you in advance....

Pamela

Macomb County Michigan

Expert Response

Mulch is used as a top dressing to suppress weeds and maintain moisture in the soil, so you should add your soil amendments before placing the mulch.  To amend a clay soil it is recommended to till about 2 inches of compost into the top 6 inches of soil.  Adding compost (organic matter) to the clay will help improve the drainage and the soil structure.
The Question Asker Replied April 20, 2017, 1:32 PM EDT
Thanks Mary!  I appreciate your response and suggestions.  While I hope to start my own composting this summer, what suggestions do you have for purchasing compost - there are soooo many to choose from?? My gardens are mainly perennials.     
The Question Asker Replied April 20, 2017, 2:18 PM EDT

I can't recommend a particular brand of compost to purchase, but you have several options: check if your local community has compost available ( a few communities have bulk compost available for their residents); contact a local garden center or landscape company that sells in bulk to see if they have compost available; or, check one of the big box stores to see what they have available by the bag. 

Compost is simply decomposed organic matter (mainly plant material).  Some composts may have slightly higher nutrient levels than others, but none are considered a fertilizer, just a soil amendment, but it contributes greatly to the health of the soil. 

The Question Asker Replied April 20, 2017, 4:28 PM EDT

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