Your soil has the dreaded Marphistes virus. This is caused by the
Marphistes Mite which breeds in the summer and the females lay their
eggs in the fall in any nearby clay soils. The eggs hatch the next
spring and the larvae deposit their droppings throughout the soil. The
droppings react in much the same way that Portland cement does, serving
to bind the soil particles tightly together, thereby creating really
hard, nasty soil.

Go to your nearest pool supply store and purchase 10 gallons of muriatic
acid. Spray your soil thoroughly with this acid, followed by a spray
with Wisk laundry detergent. You won't see results right away, but just
take my word that it is doing something. If you have any remaining
muriatic acid, it makes a great substitute for vodka or gin in your
favortie cocktail.



pelirojaroja wrote:
Hi,

I have clay-soil that gets baked on the South side of the house. I know
soil amendment and watering are in my future, but does anyone have any
advice for plants (perennials, shrubs, annuals) that like to have clay soil
but NOT be very moist?

Most clay-loving plants I've looked up like to be wet (usually clay soil
holds water well -sometimes too well). But, the "dry-feet" plants seem to
want sandy, well-drained soil.

Sigh. What do I do? Plant clay-loving plants and water like mad? Or plant
dry-feet plants and amend the soil like a maniac with sand and compost? Any
other options?
(Yes, I know -- native wildflowers and the "prairie" theme. I'll do it to
some extent, but I wanted a bit more cultivated look, since this is a small
place.) I live in Cleveland, OH -- zone 5.

WWYD? What would you do? :-)

Thanks,

-- pelirojaroja
"dangerous redhead"