What it is
A 40 lb bag of Dig Easy expanded shale. Expanded shale is shale that has been heated until it puffs up into light, porous granules. Our supplier lists three jobs for it: it loosens and aerates heavy clay soil, it holds moisture, and it can be used anywhere in the landscape.
Why North Texas gardeners use it
Much of DFW sits on heavy clay that packs hard, drains slowly and cracks in summer. Expanded shale mixed into clay opens it up so roots and water can move. Unlike compost, it does not break down, so a bed you amend once stays looser.
Expanded shale is also one of the ingredients in our Bella Flora Potting Mix, which our supplier blends for moisture retention.
How to use it
- New beds. Spread it over the bed with Enriched Organic Compost and till both into the clay.
- Planting holes. Mix it into the backfill for shrubs and perennials.
- Containers. Blend it into potting soil.
For large beds, bulk soil by the yard is usually cheaper than many bags. See Soil & Compost and the calculators.
