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Clay Soil #870368

Asked May 28, 2024, 9:20 AM EDT

I want to plant new flowers and my soil in Xenia Ohio is hard clay below 2" down. What should I use to amend the soil with? Manuer, peet moss??

Greene County Ohio

Expert Response

Organic material will be helpful for amending your soil.  I recommend you get a soil test to determine what nutrients may be needed as well as the acidity of the soil.  The fact sheet below from OSU Extension gives a good description of soil testing and how to take samples.  Your local OSU Extension office may provide a soil testing service or you can send your samples directly to one of the labs mentioned.
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
Peat moss is excellent for helping to loosen up the soil.  However, there is some controversy around the harvesting of peat moss since it is part of the ecosystem and may impact climate.  Composted organic material is generally an excellent soil conditioner.  Attached are a couple of links to other state's information on dealing with clay soils.  One of them suggests adding the compost to the top of the soil without working it in, although most suggest working the soil amendments into the soil in the top 4 -6 inches.  In my personal experience with clay soil, adding a fine bark mulch (triple shredded) each year over several years has gradually raised the height of the flower beds, and at the same time, has resulted in beautiful dark loamy soil. 
https://henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/2022/07/plant-health-alert-improving-clay-soils-for-better-gardens/
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/diamonds-clay-soils-are-forever  
Best of luck with your garden, and I hope your plants thrive in their newly amended soil.  
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 29, 2024, 5:23 PM EDT

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