by Thom W. Conroy

Created on: October 02, 2010

For the average vegetable gardener with moderate experience, the task of having a productive vegetable garden year after year is a relatively simple task. However, those that attempt to grow vegetables in soils that have a heavy presence of clay are faced with a number of obstacles to overcome, any of which can ruin an entire season's crop. The biggest single issue with trying to garden in clay soil is the problem created by water retention. An accumulation of standing water that is trapped into place by a clay barrier in the soil can result in root-rot, plant diseases and the creation of an attractive habitat for a wide variety of pests that then feast on garden plants. A minor amount of preparation before planting vegetables can eliminate the problems caused by clay in the soil and ensure gardening success.

The main concern in growing vegetables in clay soil is to make certain that plant roots are not exposed to standing water that collects beneath the soil. This is most easily accomplished by creating plant beds that are sloped whenever possible, and while this takes a fair bit of labor it is the most simple manner by which to enable proper drainage in soil with a high presence of clay. The degree of the slope in each vegetable bed does not have to be excessive, but it does need to be high enough on one end to allow excess water to flow away from plants naturally through the pull of gravity.

Another excellent tip for growing vegetables in clay soil is to simply amend the soil soil so that the clay component is thinned. This can be done by simply adding organic matter to the soil in large quantities and making certain that the soil is then mixed vigorously. Equal parts of compost, topsoil and peat work great when added to clay soil to help drainage and provide necessary nutrients. A wheel barrow at a time added to clay soil and then worked in using a garden tiller will usually do the trick to help vegetable plants flourish in a soil that has a good deal of clay in it.

Lastly, a good tip for growing vegetables in clay soil is to pay special attention to how often you water your garden. Take note of how often and how much water your garden receives naturally from rain water, and only water your vegetable plants when it becomes absolutely necessary for their continued good health.

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