Expert: James L. Crowder - 6/10/2009

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