I can tell there is a lot of clay in the soil i got for my potted plants, this is soil from where i will move them outdoors, what can i do about the clay? How will it affect their growth? should I try potting mxtures, special chemicals(fertilizers), watering regimins... anything? I'm brand new to this, just wondering what i can do better. Thank you for any input
fuck chemicals fuck pesticides & fertalizers think organic soil should have clay as well as sand small pebbles & orgganic matter like mulch compost natural fertalizers get some good topsoil mix it with the clal & some sand (maybe lil crab meal or something too) you want it fairly well broken up & mixed together if too much water runds straight thru without being sbsorbed & held ui wanna add more clay & sand to trap it, but dont neglect to add enough organic matter to feed the plants throughout theyre lifecycle
Nice soil surrounded by clay to hold the water in? That's what I done with my flowers last year. Red clay can be brutal so go buy some top soil, it's very affordable if you love your plants like I love my flowers
Thanks Eagle, some folks live by chemicals on their plants, i was planning on using as little as possible but wasn't sure. I have some compost, will moldy compost be a problem? I was in ag so i know about the clay holding water and sand letting it go, it might not be in these pots for its lifespan, they're small starting pots and if i left them in there they may die or just stay tiny, i'll transpant someday with better soil, but they just sprouted this week so i'm not worried about that yet.
Depending on what you are growing... moldy soil will kill the plants if it is too moldy or the mold spores will kill your plant. Some plants are stronger than others however.
something you have to worry about with clay type soil is the ph level. clay is HIGHLY acidic and will kill your plants. it will eat the roots to pieces i not mixed with some regular potting soil. so if you see problems and can really figure out whats wrong then its most likely that. A good ph level around 6.5 - 7 will ensure that youre plants are taking in all the ferts and nutes your giving them.
