Clay Soil And Perennials
Clay Soil and Perennials are not the best mixture for a successful garden, but fortunately, you can correct your clay soil so that it will make a great home for your perennials.
Perennials have shallow root systems and need an adequate environment to flourish year after year, clay soil is not ideal but with a little bit of work you can make some additions that will help your perennials thrive.
One important step to take in any kind of soil is to make sure you have the correct PH for your perennials. A PH of 6.0 to 6.5 is what is best. You will need to test your soil and add agricultural lime to raise the PH or peat moss or pine needles to lower it. If your soil has too much clay, you will be able to tell by grabbing a handful and smooshing it.
If it is clumpy and moist like clay, then you need to take steps to correct it.
Click For More On Garden Flowers
Proper planning is important when attempting to plant perennials in clay soil or any soil that needs to be amended as you should alter the soil several weeks before planting the flowers. Loosen up the soil in the flower bed - you should rake, dig or till at least 10 inches down. This is a good time to remove any rocks or other things that do not belong! For clay soil, you will need to add organic matter. This can be compost, manure or mulch. This will serve to break up the compact clay and allow better drainage.
Once your perennials are planted, you will need to water them periodically if you do not get enough natural rain. After the first planting, the soil should be drenched with water and watering once a week during the first month is a good idea. After that, nature should provide but you may need to supplement during long dry spells. Use an organic fertilizer in spring and then again in late summer. Always remove dead flowers and branches from your perennials to encourage new growth and cut back in the fall.
| 
