I live in red clay country (aka NC). Here's my recipe for a new
garden bed:
Dig up the ground in spring, loosen well. Mix in some peat moss
(about 1/2" to 1" thick when spread on the ground). "Soil
conditioner" made of minced pine bark also works. Put the plants in
and then mulch with about 1" - 2" of pine bark mini-nuggets. As the
mulch degrades (I replace mine each year), the soil is enriched in
humus.

Clay has plenty or nutients in it. I lime the grass, but never the
beds. Some beds are 12 years old and still going strong.

On 29 Sep 2004 12:34:33 -0700, (Ted Shoemaker)
wrote:

What exactly is good soil? I used to know, then I have heard too many
answers to this question to think that I know any more.

In particular, I am talking about a soil that is natively clay, in
zone 4 or 5, used for flowers (both annuals and perennials).

Some people say, ADD SAND. Other people say, No, if you add sand,
you'll just lock up the clay and make "concrete" out of it.

Some people say, ADD COMPOST. Other people say, No, if you add
compost, you'll lower the pH too far.

And similarly for adding manure, Miracle-Gro, lime, bark, lawn
clippings, dry leaves, etc etc etc.

Can somebody who really knows, please settle this?

Thank you very much!

Ted Shoemaker