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And walking on the soil will compact the surface and break down its structure, which prevents water from soaking through the surface.
When the soil is wet air cannot penetrate through the surface. This leads to ideal conditions for slugs and soil diseases. It also means plant roots will usually just rot.
Given a nice hot sunny day and the surface of clay soils will bake solid, start cracking and shrink as it dries hard as rock.
Even just digging can cause the surface to compact if it is wet.
Not much chance of growing plants then!
Well there are some solutions.
Some easier than others and some better than others.
The best solution, and quite easy to do, is to make raised beds. You only need about 23cm (9inch) depth.
But 30cm (12inches) would be much better and is well worth the extra effort.
The next best solution, but fairly hard work, is to dig in plenty of horticultural grit. You will need a good 7.5cm (3inch) layer and it will need to be dug in well.
You may need to repeat this a couple of times to get the maximum benefit.
It is also extremely beneficial to dig in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost. By the cartload, the more the better.
Don't be tempted to just but a layer of grit in the bottom of planting holes. This just makes an ideal place for water to drain in to with disastrous consequences for any plants.
Another solution, but real hard work and mega bucks, is proper land drainage. Not recommended unless you have deep pockets, don't mind the upheaval and not being able to use your garden for some time.
But, it can be very successful.
So, what can you plant in clay soils?
An obvious choice is bog plants especially where water tends to lie in pockets or low lying ground at the bottom of slopes.
What about making water features in these areas? Clay soil is ideal for holding water and with some clever use of bog plants you can make exciting, stunning, eye-catching designs.
In areas where water dosen't lie so much you can try hostas, many of the primulas, hydrangea, euonymus and lavatera as they should all perform well.
Shrubs such as cotoneaster, hebe, spiraea and mahonia all should do well.
It's surprising what plants will grow and survive in clay soils.
If your adventurous try your favourites, you may be surprised. And if they just don't do any good try something else.
Plants are very tolerant and will survive in conditions that aren't perfect, so it's definitely worth trying anything.
If you want a list of plants that will do well in clay soil just click here
But if you can use raised beds your choice of planting is the same as it is for normal soils.
So, raised beds are highly recommended to overcome the problems of heavy clay soils.
If you want any more information on how you can grow plants in clay soils or how to grow any of your favourite garden plants please feel free to contact us
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