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Clay subsoil

#1 · 22nd March 2022, 5:04 pm

Hi Garden Ninja,

I’m fairly new to gardening, but am a big fan of your channel and have learnt a lot from your videos.

I live in an area with heavy clay soil. Having planted a number of new trees and shrubs recently, I have acquired a lot of excess earth from digging the holes, much of it’s sub-soil and almost pure clay. While I intend to reuse the topsoil on the borders, I am wondering what to do with the subsoil? Are there ways in which it can be re-used or must it be discarded? Storage space is a bit of an issue for me as the garden is relatively small.

Your advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Roland

Lee Garden Ninja has reacted to this post.

#2 · 23rd March 2022, 9:00 am

Hi Roland,

Taking a guess how much clay soil have left over?

Things you can do to to improve what you have left, mix in lots of, well rotted compost, well rotted bark, a well rotted compost including lots of Horticultural Grit, gypsum can be mixed in, all it takes is a bit of good old elbow grease, using a strong fork to make sure every thing is suitably combined, just try and break down any lumps of clay, you will be able to see and feel when you have a manageable soil.

This could be spread over your existing flower beds, or you have the choice of using this mix in containers or building a raised bed, have a look at Lee's video on raised beds, and consider using containers at the front of your home, just because the soil came from your rear garden, it doesn't have to stay there.

Please let the forum know how you get on.

Bob

Lee Garden Ninja has reacted to this post.

#3 · 24th March 2022, 8:54 am

Hi Roland,

I'm really glad you're enjoying my gardening content on YouTube. Sometimes watching someone is the best way to learn!

Bobs advice is spot on.

Soil is created naturally in layers from the top rich 'topsoil' layer where most of the organic matter sits, to the sublayer then other layers that get more compressed and 'rocky' as you dig down. In fact soil is a huge subject matter and only I have scratched the surface in all my years of study and training.

The important thing to always remember is that soil is a living breathing organism in its own right. Us gardeners always need to treat it like we would our prized plants or even garden pets!

I would add that I would never throw away soil unless there's really no place for it.

I don't use soil in pots as its heavy and the lack of interaction with other soil and organic matter tends to pretty much starve the soil of any life that makes it so precious. So I always use compost in pots and tend to keep soil in the ground. If you have an excess you can always use it as a top dress where it will get worked back into the garden or even mound it up somewhere for a few years. I've created a turf mound before that sits out of the way in my garden. It depends on size and space.

Bottom line is look after your soil and your garden will literally sing because of it!

Happy gardening.