Planting shrubs in heavy clay?
My shrubs (ewes and boxwoods) are currently planted in heavy clay soil around the perimeter of my house, their growth is stunted and a few of them have drowned or rotted because the soil does not drain. I want to pull the shrubs and augment the soil by tilling in a humus & manure mix or some topsoil. Am I on the right track? What other suggestions do you have?
All we have in Georgia is red clay!! For planting individual shrubs, it’s actually quite easy. You need soil conditioner, which is essentially very finely ground up bark and cheap topsoil both available at any garden center (Lowes and Home Depot). Mix (don’t “layer”) 1/3 conditioner, topsoil and existing clay soil together in a wheelbarrow – if you want additional drainage you can also use paving sand (play sand is too fine) and make it a 1/4 ratio of each.
Make sure the planting hole is at least twice as wide as the root ball (very important as it allows for proper root growth) and only as deep as the root ball. Plant your shrubs, fill back in with your mixture and tamp down to eliminate air pockets. Water them in, and you should be just fine. I have to start my digging with a pick axe to break up our clay, and this method hasn’t failed me yet. Good luck and happy planting!
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