Advice on transforming red clay soil (buy, organic, garden)

[abcornwell]

We have about 1/2 acre we'd like to garden - probably mixed borders, shrubs, trees, ornamental grasses. Right now it is hard red clay soil.

I understand the concept of working as much organic matter into the soil as possible, but I need to know *how*. Especially when we just about bend a shovel trying to dig!

Should I be looking for someone to disc it? (Harrowing is the term I know (or harrer if you're from WNC)) It seems we'd need machinery to break into chunks, then another pass at smaller chunks, and then we could probably till it or double-dig ... ???

We're putting raised beds, a gazebo, and a fire pit on some of the other 1/2 acre, thankfully!

Ideas, wisdom, much appreciated!

[SunnyKayak]

you will need to soak the red clay (be sure not to track this stuff in your home)
It will turn into soft red mud then work the top soil into it.
Finish it off after the plants are planted with a layer of top soil or mulch or the ground around it will not look right with the black red mixture

[solnechko]

You might look into building up your borders and beds and just not dealing with it (denial). I don't know about working with it soaking wet; I am a potter who works with wet clay and -- yuck! But it is definitely easier to work when it's damp, and I would also suggest a soil amendment such as Permatill. If you are doing the work yourself, get a truckload of it!

[abcornwell]

Originally Posted by SunnyKayak

you will need to soak the red clay (be sure not to track this stuff in your home)
It will turn into soft red mud then work the top soil into it.
Finish it off after the plants are planted with a layer of top soil or mulch or the ground around it will not look right with the black red mixture

I'm concerned about working with it when it's wet, I've read (and seen first hand) how big clumps form and dry into practically unbreakable clods.

Is the secret to only moisten a little area, then pile on top soil and organic matter, and immediately till?

Somewhat off-topic - my boss has llamas and she just said we could come pick up a few trailer loads of llama poop! That'll turn into terrific organic matter!

[Barkingowl]

My wife transformed our backyard by adding thousands of earthworms to it to break up the soil. It took a couple years & she had a constant battle with the robins, but she triumphed in the end. Getting rid of weeds is better done through a heavy application of hot mulch than it is by dousing the soil with pesticides.

[SunnyKayak]

Originally Posted by abcornwell

I'm concerned about working with it when it's wet, I've read (and seen first hand) how big clumps form and dry into practically unbreakable clods.

Is the secret to only moisten a little area, then pile on top soil and organic matter, and immediately till?

Somewhat off-topic - my boss has llamas and she just said we could come pick up a few trailer loads of llama poop! That'll turn into terrific organic matter!

Definitely fertilize with the llama poop lol

You need to mix it heavily with top soil to keep it from clumping. Even if you dont soak it you need to break the clay up into smaller bits.
It kinda like play doh if you mix another object in it is harder for it to take formation and form those clay "bricks"

Mixing with top soil and sand is my other idea

[abcornwell]

Originally Posted by solnechko

You might look into building up your borders and beds and just not dealing with it (denial). I don't know about working with it soaking wet; I am a potter who works with wet clay and -- yuck! But it is definitely easier to work when it's damp, and I would also suggest a soil amendment such as Permatill. If you are doing the work yourself, get a truckload of it!

I am Cleopatra, Queen of Denial, so I like your idea.

What is Permatill?

And, where may we see your pottery? There are so many interesting people on this forum!

[abcornwell]

Originally Posted by SunnyKayak

Definitely fertilize with the llama poop lol

You need to mix it heavily with top soil to keep it from clumping. Even if you dont soak it you need to break the clay up into smaller bits.
It kinda like play doh if you mix another object in it is harder for it to take formation and form those clay "bricks"

Mixing with top soil and sand is my other idea

Sounds like I'll be hiring muscle bound guys (and gals) to work on this 1/2 acre. Will post photos, and if I'm brave will get a shot of the llama poop.

Thank you, SunnyKayak!!!

[abcornwell]

Originally Posted by Barkingowl

My wife transformed our backyard by adding thousands of earthworms to it to break up the soil. It took a couple years & she had a constant battle with the robins, but she triumphed in the end. Getting rid of weeds is better done through a heavy application of hot mulch than it is by dousing the soil with pesticides.

Vermiculture! Did your wife buy the worms or is she into growing her own? Seems like a very cool thing to do.

[Barkingowl]

Originally Posted by abcornwell

Vermiculture! Did your wife buy the worms or is she into growing her own? Seems like a very cool thing to do.

She bought the worms from some mail order place.