Plants with shallow roots are the best to grow on clay soil. This type of soil has numerous benefits, including nutrients needed by plants to thrive. However, this soil requires proper maintenance to help plants access nutrients. Let’s look at what vegetables grow in clay soil?
What Vegetables Grow In Clay Soil
Clay soil has tiny particles that create solid soil that retains water for hours. But, there are some vegetable that flourish in this soil; they include:
Peas
Peas grow on clay soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. They do not like too much water, but their shallow roots easily access nutrients in the soil. After harvesting, leave the roots and dry leaves to decompose on the soil. This increases organic nutrients for better drainage. Peas require support to do well, so take good care of them, and you get a bumper harvest.
Carrots
Carrots thrive in clay soil. They are not transplanted and are easy to grow because you put seeds directly into the soil. The seeds take time to germinate and sprout but grow pretty fast once they sprout.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins do well in clay soil. However, too much water can cause pumpkins to rot. Make sure they are not constantly wet. You can do this by planting the seed in a well-prepared hole where you will be watering without letting the water flood around the leaves and pumpkin fruits.
Kale
Kales grow on clay soil because they are sturdy. They are vegetables you can eat for a long time. However, they flourish in a cool climate. This means you get to enjoy these delicious vegetables throughout the year. Clay soil retains moisture for a long time, even during the driest seasons.
Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the fast-growing vegetables you can plant in your clay soil garden. It loves moisture grounds and will thrive in this soil that holds water for a long time. If not appropriately watered, lettuce tends to develop a bitter taste. The best thing is that it can take as short as 30 days to mature, allowing you to enjoy some fresh lettuce every month.
Beets
Beets are not the easiest veggies to grow on clay soil. You must water them daily without overdoing it. You can also enrich your garden with manure, fertilizer, or compost.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a popular vegetable and an essential ingredient for most recipes. However, they take time to mature. You must also take proper care not to overwater them as it can cause leaves to rot.
Green Beans
Green beans require plenty of water to thrive. They are a popular vegetable but need fertilizer to produce plenty of beans. The soil must always be moist without any stagnant water around the plants.
Brussels
Brussels grow and flourish in clay soil. These plants require a pH of about 6.5, which you can improve by simply adding fertilizers.
Corn
To grow corn on clay soil, you should add some lime. This hardy vegetable thrives and takes up to 75 days to mature.
Peppers
Peppers are part of common recipes. Having peppers in your kitchen garden makes it easy to cook your favorite food. It grows on clay soil without any extra care. They take two months to mature.
Chard
Chards offer you a wide variety. Some are green, while others come in rainbow colors. The colorful ones are the most nutritious. It has shallow roots that love consistent moisture. However, you should also make sure these vegetables get sufficient sunlight. Avoid standing water around your chards because it causes the leaves to rot.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are easy to grow. They do not thrive in too much water and you have to be careful when watering them. Remember that clay soil retains water for a long time. Besides that, these plants are not fast-growing and take up to 75 days to mature.
Radishes
Radishes grow fast and are ready for harvest after 30 days. They require nutrient-rich soil and moderate watering. They are available in many varieties, including daikon radishes, which are longer and skinnier than other types. Choose the variety to grow in your clay soil garden and take care of them properly for great results.
What Vegetables Grow In Clay Soil: Final thoughts
Don’t worry if your kitchen garden has clay soil. There are some vegetables that you can grow on this type of soil. Choose several and enjoy fresh veggies any day, any time.
Related Article: A Guide to Planting Grass in Clay Soil