How to Loosen Clay Soil
- 1). Rake or rototill top 6 to 8 inches of soil to loosen soil for amending.
- 2). Remove weeds and rocks from soil.
- 3). Perform a soil test, available at your local gardening center, to determine its pH. Most crops prefer neutral soil.
- 4). Rake or rototill amendments into soil--lime if pH is too low or sulfur if pH is too high--working to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
- 5). Add sand to soil to increase graininess--use 1 cubic yard per 100 square feet.
- 6). Till compost or manure into top 2 to 3 inches of soil.
- 7). Rake area to level.
- 8). Water soil well before planting.
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