How to Change Clay Soil

Clay soils are generally dense with slow drainage and a high pH or alkaline content. Although clay soil is best determined by a soil test, heavy clay soil will form a ball when squeezed together and does not break apart easily. Clay soil is much slower to warm in the spring and may lead to frost damage of your plants' roots. In clay soil, roots can also easily rot. Changing your clay soil is an involved and difficult task but will give you a garden worth of rewards.

Shovel
Coarse or builder's sand
Coarse organic matter
Garden tiller
Wheelbarrow
Rake
Gypsum

Instructions

- 1
  Measure your garden so you know how much organic compost, sand and gypsum to purchase. A cubic yard of these materials will cover approximately 100 square feet with 3 inches thick.
- 2
  Loosen your soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches with a shovel or the garden tiller.
- 3
  Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of coarse sand on top of the soil. Work it in well with the tiller. Sand will improve the drainage of your soil and, once worked into the soil, lighten the heavy clay.
- 4
  Spread 3 to 4 inches of coarse organic matter into the soil. Work it well with the shovel or tiller. Do not use peat moss or any other fine grain compost. As the organic matter breaks down, it will increase the acidity of your soil, improve drainage and add nutrients.
- 5
  Add the gypsum to your garden soil. Spread approximately 20 lb. for every 100 square feet of garden. You can find gypsum at home building stores. Dig down at least 12 inches and mix it in well with your shovel or garden tiller. Rake smooth.

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