One of the gardening challenges we all face here in the Mid-South is the abundance of heavy, slow-draining, acidic clay soil. To have the lush gardens we all dream about, we have to deal with this problem and make sure we provide the best environment for the plants we put in the ground. A phrase we use quite often is “amending the soil,” which means changing the natural environment to accommodate different types of plants with different growth requirements.
Most plants in our area grow best in soil that drains well and allows the root system to breathe. It sounds difficult but is actually a simple process.
How to Plant for Better Drainage
- The hole you dig should be as deep as the root ball and 2 to 3 times the circumference. This sounds like overkill, but it is critical to improving drainage. Mix your planting soil at a ratio of approximately 50% native clay soil and 50% natural organic material. We highly recommend Back to Nature products like Cotton Burr Compost, Natures Blend, or Composted Cow Manure. These products increase soil drainage and provide the critical organic material needed to build the microbe population and create a healthy environment for all plants, trees, and shrubs. A finely ground pine bark product called Soil Conditioner or Black Gold Garden Soil can also be used to amend the soil for planting.
- Put a small amount of the amended soil mixture into the bottom of the hole and set your plant on top. The top of the root ball should be an inch or two above grade. This allows the root system to breathe should your garden become drenched by summer storms or accidental overwatering.
- Once your plant is at the correct height, fill the rest of the hole with the soil mixture. Give your plant a good soaking and allow the soil to compact naturally. Keep filling the hole with soil sloping downward from the top of the root ball.
- For the first year, feed with good organic fertilizers to help your new plants become established. Use products like Ferti-lome Root Stimulator to promote root system expansion. Continuing to feed with organics will promote natural, healthy growth with strong root development.
Soil pH
Soil pH is another area we address quite often. Some plants thrive in naturally acidic soil. Azaleas, hollies, and camellias are just a few examples. Most other plants perform better when the pH is closer to the mid-range or only slightly acidic.
If you are not sure of your soil’s pH, bring us a sample and we can test it for you. Testing takes only a few minutes and we do it at no charge. We require a 16 oz. container packed full with soil to get an accurate reading. Once we have the test results, we can recommend products to make the necessary adjustments and keep your plants in an environment that promotes healthy growth.
Watering Newly Planted Gardens
Keep your plants well watered, but do not overwater. Allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings is critical. If your landscaping is under irrigation, new additions to your garden will require more water than the well-established ones. Even so, allow the soil to slightly dry out before watering again.
We have experienced some of the wettest winters and springs on record in recent years, which has caused plant failures due to overwatering. Aerating the soil and using root stimulators will help root systems recover, especially on plants that are sensitive to excessive moisture.