A fine-textured soil made up of very small mineral particles that hold water and nutrients well but often have poor drainage and are prone to compaction.
Clay soil contains extremely small particles that pack closely together. This limits air movement and slows water drainage, making the soil sticky when wet and hard when dry.
Because roots must push through dense soil, some plants struggle to establish in heavy clay. However, clay soil also holds moisture and nutrients better than many other soil types, making it highly productive when properly managed.
Adding organic matter over time helps improve soil structure, creating more space for water, air, and root growth.
Clay soil affects how water moves, how roots develop, and how easily plants access nutrients. Understanding clay soil helps gardeners improve growing conditions through aeration, compost additions, and proper soil management rather than fighting against the soil's natural characteristics.