How to Dig Clay in Your Backyard

No doubt about it -- soil that contains a lot of clay is difficult to landscape. While there are many plants that tolerate clay soil, if you improve it with organic matter, the choices of what you can grow becomes almost endless. Whether you are digging to improve your soil, plant a tree or for other reasons, there are some tricks to make the job a bit easier.

Spade
Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Contact your utility company before digging into your soil. In fact, some states, such as North Dakota, require you to call a hotline number if you plan to dig deeper than 12 inches. If you hit a utility line or pipe, it may be dangerous and you're likely to be liable for the damage.
- 2
  Use a spade to dig down into the soil, using common sense so you don't injure yourself or break your tools. Set the spade upright and push down on it with your foot. Then push down on the handle. If the spade doesn't easily give, stop. The soil is either too wet or too dry to easily dig it up.
- 3
  Dig when the clay is slightly moist. If it is wet and sticky, it will be difficult to dig. If the soil is too wet, wait a few days and try again.
- 4
  Water the clay soil with an inch of water if you are having trouble digging it up because it's dry. Then, wait one to two days and try again. It should be easier. If not, repeat watering and trying again every couple of days until the hard, dry clay becomes softer and easier to dig.

Why Does Soil Smell Bad?

Soil Deficiency

Soil