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How to Plant in Clay Soil #891651

Asked January 16, 2025, 5:50 PM EST

in the article on clay soil, it states "...Bark, manure, leaf mold and compost are among the organic amendments commonly used to improve clay soil, Brewer noted. Applied to the soil surface, these materials form a protective blanket that slows evaporation and reduces soil hardening"... I'd like to know how to plant shrubs in clay soil... do you dig a hole, place a shrub and back fill with the dugout dirt... then, cover the surface with organic material?

Jackson County Oregon

Expert Response

Yes, Glenn Stewart:

You've got it! Research and Experience have shown that if you improve the soil with organic matter, compost, etc., the plant tends to stay in that hole, rather than exploring more soil with its roots.

Linda J. Brewer, Senior Faculty Research Assistant II Replied January 16, 2025, 6:35 PM EST

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