Clay: A type of soil particle that is very small and dense, often retaining a lot of water.
Clay soil is one of the three main types of soil, along with sand and silt. It comprises tiny particles that pack together tightly, making it feel sticky when wet and hard when dry. Because the particles are so small, clay soil doesn’t drain water well, which can be a problem for some plants.
In a home garden, clay soil can be a bit of a challenge. It’s difficult to work with and can become waterlogged, suffocating plant roots. However, clay soil is also rich in nutrients, which is good for plants. You can add organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve clay soil. This helps to loosen the soil, improve drainage, and make it easier for plant roots to grow. With a little amendment, clay soil can be very productive.
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