Heavy clay soil tends to compact easily and drain poorly, making it hard to work with. On the plus side, it is usually rich in nutrients. One way to improve heavy clay soil is by adding horticultural grit to help break up the clay particles and improve drainage. Horticultural grit can also help provide air pockets in the soil, allowing roots to penetrate more easily and promoting overall plant health.
The horticultural grit should be mixed thoroughly throughout the soil to ensure even distribution. Clay soil preparation is best done in spring or autumn when the soil is neither too wet nor too hard. A hand rotavator works well for this job, and a spade is handy for breaking up any clumps as you go. The added grit will help create a more porous soil structure, allowing water to drain more freely and reducing the risk of waterlogging that can harm plant roots.
Add a good layer of grit
Using a hand rotavtor to mix in the grit
Always prepare soil prior to planting
In addition to improving drainage, adding horticultural grit to heavy clay soil can also help increase the soil’s fertility by providing better aeration and promoting microbial activity. With improved soil structure, plants will be better able to uptake nutrients and thrive in a healthier environment. By incorporating horticultural grit into heavy clay soil, gardeners can create an optimal growing medium that supports healthy plant growth and allows for more successful cultivation of a wider variety of plants.
Already you can see the soil looks greatly improved