Plant Growth in Compacted Soil
Many plants are not able to grow in hard, compacted soils. These soils do not drain well, so plants that need well-draining soil may rot and die. Plants with delicate, non-aggressive roots can have a hard time establishing in compacted soil. When proper root development doesn’t happen, plants can become stunted, not produce flowers or fruit, and eventually die. Hard, compacted, clay soils can be amended by tilling in organic materials such as peat moss, worm castings, leaf compost, or mushroom compost. These amendments can help loosen up the soil, provide better drainage, and add available nutrients for plants. Raised beds can also be created in areas with hard clay soil with better soil brought in to create a depth where plants can spread their roots in. Another option is to choose plants that will grow in hard clay soil.
Plants That Will Grow in Hard Clay Soil
While it’s normally recommended that you amend the soil beforehand for the benefit of the plant to ensure the healthiest growth possible, below is a list of what to plant in compacted soil: Flowers
Impatiens Lantana Marigold Coneflower Joe Pye weed Virginia bluebells Bee balm Penstemon Obedient plant Gazania Goldenrod Spiderwort Turtlehead Coreopsis Salvia Dianthus Amaranth Black-eyed susan Crocus Daffodil Snowdrop Grape hyacinth Iris Milkweed False indigo Allium Blazing star Veronica Aster
Foliage/Ornamental Grasses
Ostrich fern Lady fern Grama grass Feather Reed grass Switchgrass Miscanthus Little bluestem
Shrubs/Small Trees
Witch hazel Ninebark Viburnum Dogwood Hazelnut Juniper Mugo pine Yew Arborvitae
