AboutJames L. Crowder Expertise I can answer questions about soils, soil amendments, drainage and proper planting. I have extensive background in homeowner labeled pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) and their proper use. I can also answer questions about the growing requirements of specific plants
Experience I have 37 years experience in the lawn and garden business split fairly evenly between the retail nursery business and wholesale distribution of consumer lawn and garden products. From 1990 to 2000 I co-hosted a weekly call-in talk radio program in Memphis, TN.
Organizations Garden Writers Association
Horticultural Board of the Mid South Fair
Publications Green Thumb Magazine - out of print
Education/Credentials 37 years of learning everday.
Awards and Honors Past president of the Memphis Horticultural Society.
Past president of the Memphis Bonsai Society.
Memphis Horticultural Society 2008 Horticultural Excellence Award
Question James,
We are building a new home here in South Carolina. Our soil is a beautiful sandy and brown dirt mixture. We were recently disappointed to see that our builder brought in truck loads of red sticky clay to build up the soil around the house and driveway. He has compacted the red clay into the ground surrounding the house. The red clay is sticking to our shoes and making a mess. After a rain, it takes days for the clay to dry out and for the puddles to drain. Is there anything I can do to help make this clay easier to live with? Do plants grow well in it? Should the builder have "saved" our topsoil and placed it on top of the red clay? Please advise! Thanks. Ginny
Answer Hi Ginny, The clay may have been a necessity to be able to pour a slab and driveway. Clay is not bad. It just packs easily. When you plant, you'll blend in a soil amendment with the clay and your plants will do fine. Clay is good for water and nutrient retention.
You may need to add some soil in low areas to prevent puddling, but clay is what you want to start with. Jim
