Red Clay (Carolina: house, landscaping, live in)

[PaSc123]

If we can locate any Sweet Bay Magnolias (Henry Hicks), we are planning to plant a few in our backyard. I have heard that variety sheds very few leaves. Anyone familiar with these? Also, I have been told that I don't have to amend the clay soil, just score the hole so that it isn't a solid wall for the roots to get through? Any gardeners familiar with red clay? I've never had red clay to work with. Any info will be appreciated.

[Mawoods]

I would advise you to visit the Botanical Gardens or go to Bennetts and talk to Mr. Bennett about the magnolias. There are so many wonderful varieties of magnolias.There are smaller or larger varieties and those that are decidious.

About the red clay - I would say you will have to amend it. Big time. Clay is full of minerals but is hard to work with as it retains water or gets very dry and hard. The guys can tell you exactly what to put in such as the correct amount of compost, manure, etc for magnolias.

[Maya Blue]

Red clay sucks. That's all I have to say about that.

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by PaSc123

If we can locate any Sweet Bay Magnolias (Henry Hicks), we are planning to plant a few in our backyard. I have heard that variety sheds very few leaves. Anyone familiar with these? Also, I have been told that I don't have to amend the clay soil, just score the hole so that it isn't a solid wall for the roots to get through? Any gardeners familiar with red clay? I've never had red clay to work with. Any info will be appreciated.

Tree Details—The Tree Guide at arborday.org

Sweet Bay Magnolia Tree Planting Guide | eHow.com

From the 2nd link above

While the tree grows best near coastal areas where the soil is rich and moist, it can also tolerate soil that is acidic or has a high mixture of sand, clay and loam. The sweet bay magnolia likes moist growing conditions, so additional irrigation may be needed if your area has dry temperatures and little rain.

In general, it is always good idea to loosen the soil around the base of tree when planting. For example, I will dig a 3 feet diameter hole around the tree, filled it with topsoil/ composts, and mulch on top.

I planted a saucer magnolia last year and it is doing well. I use the above approach for all my trees.

[Dusty Rhodes]

Well, in this section of N.Carolina, were it not for red clay we would have no soil at all. I have been working my garden patch, a spot about 80 ft by 50 feet, and...it started out as pure Carolina Red Clay, it was something else to work. Started out just scratching the surface with my tiller, then down one inch, then two, then three ---I think you have the idea now, I mulched all my plants with grass clippings, my yard, including house and garden is about 2.5 acres, that's a lot of clippings. I just mulched my plants, not inbetween rows. My hoe and I are on a first name basis because of all the weeds we have chopped down together. I did not plant potatos or radishes for the first five years. Over time with persistence and a whole lot of grass clippings and tiller work (also got a local farmer to come over with his big agricultural sized, pull behind his tractor type tiller) and now, 10 years later have a very rich loam that makes my garden an over-achiever. I now plant red bliss potatos and can get most of them out of the ground. Clay is actually a rich medium, it's just difficult to work at first. There are rewards for persistence.

[AnotherBravesFan]

Originally Posted by stewdog1

Red clay sucks. That's all I have to say about that.

I couldn't agree more, especially after the rains we've had. Lots of mucky, sticky mud. I drove past several homes and lots today with areas of standing water. Most plants don't thrive in such conditions

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by AnotherBravesFan

I couldn't agree more, especially after the rains we've had. Lots of mucky, sticky mud. I drove past several homes and lots today with areas of standing water. Most plants don't thrive in such conditions

If you live in the south you'll no choice but the red clay. Saying it "sucks" is like saying your children "suck".

Like it or not, you're stucked with it. Fortunately, trees and lawns are known to grow successfully over red clay. Some of us are even able to get a vegetable garden going. Dusty just gave a great example.

[Southlander]

Plenty of magnolias thrive in red clay.
Look around!

[PaSc123]

Thanks for all the information.I appreciate all responses. We have planted 4 trees. If they survive our first attempt at landscaping in red clay, we will plant more in the fall.

[Keeper]

I have peach trees in my yard that I planted and they have done fine in the red clay soil.