Improving Clay Soil

Question

I have heavily compacted clay soil in my garden of about 170 sq. ft. (26’L x6. 5 W. . . with about a one foot depth). I only want to plant flowers and/or ground cover. I heard different stories on using pure Gypsum to break down the clay, (Armstrong) or Home Depot told me to use only AMEND, that already has the gypsum in it, along with nutrients.

I made a 1/2 inch screen wire on a 2 x 6 and am sifting through the bigger, hard to breakdown clods, big rocks, old roots, and allowing old pea gravel through the screen to make for a better looking, more uniform clay dirt base before adding soil prior to planting. One person told me I’m working too hard and just use the gypsum to break it down. What type of soil is needed to plant? Manure with no nutrients , top soil, or just basic garden soil?

Answer 1

Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/compost-for-organic-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm