- 1). Spread 2 to 3 inches of composted organic matter on the soil in the spring. Organic matter "lightens soil texture, discourages compaction, adds nutrients, improves drainage and aeration, moderates soil temperature and provides pore space," according to the article "Amending Clay Soils," prepared by the Durham County North Carolina Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
- 2). Till the organic matter into the top 8 inches of the soil with a garden tiller or by turning the soil over with a shovel. "A good rule of thumb when incorporating compost as a soil amendment is 25 percent of the planned depth, i.e., 2 inches of organic matter worked in to a depth of 8 inches," writes Martha Proctor, a University of California Marin Master Gardener, in her article "Compost, Mulch and Amendments Help Replenish Soil" from the "Marin Independent Journal."
- 3). Lay boards to walk on if you need to step on the soil near plants or designate walkways between rows and beds to avoid compacting the clay soil again during the gardening season. "Once organic matter has been tilled into the soil, keep off the soil," according to the Master Gardener Ohio State University Extension Training Manual and Online Resource Center.
- 4). Spread mulch to discourage weeds, pull them by hand or hoe lightly, rather than tilling deeply during the summer to kill weeds. The article "Soil and Fertilizers" cautions against excess tilling, which drives off earthworms and decreases biological diversity in the soil, causing compaction and reversing the work of soil amendments.
- 5). Till under partially decomposed organic mulch or other partially decomposed organic matter at the end of the growing season. "The winter will allow time for the under decomposed organic material to break down," according to the article "Amending Clay Soils," prepared by the Durham County North Carolina Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
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