How to Improve a Heavy Clay Soil on Crushed Granite

Clay soil is very dense. It retains a lot of moisture and may become heavy and water-logged. Because clay soils are so tightly-packed and wet, many plants cannot grow in it. The soil is too dense for roots to successfully grow into it. Clay soil on top of crushed granite may drain a little more freely than clay soil that doesn't have this layer of rock under it, but it must still be improved in order for plants to grow.

Tiller
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Wait until after the last spring frost before attempting to work the soil. Cold temperatures will make soil harden and freeze, and it will be impossible to work.
- 2
  Break up the top 6 to 8 inches of heavy clay soil with a tiller or shovel. It will take less effort to amend the soil if it is loosened up first.
- 3
  Add a 3-inch layer of compost on top of the heavy clay soil. Compost is an ideal soil amendment around planting time, and it is the best choice for clay soils on top of crushed granite, which have very few nutrients to offer plants.
- 4
  Mix the compost down into the clay soil thoroughly, digging 6 to 8 inches deep with a shovel.
- 5
  Water the soil with a garden hose to encourage it to settle.
- 6
  Repeat the entire amendment process, as needed, to improve soil drainage and quality.

El Paso, Texas Soil and Plant Information

Variables in Soil Erosion

Soil