Help with clay soil

[TopDog]

Hi peeps. My soil is mostly composed of heavy clay, and I really need to improve it so I can plant something in my garden. What should I add to my soil to make it suitable for growing in?

[John]

I'm not an expert, but wouldn't sand and a lot of manure/compost help?

[matt]

Yes, you need coarse sand and coarse organic matter.
Check this out http://www.bachmans.com/tipsheets/Soils/WorkingWithClaySoil.cfm

[yeepi]

Clay soils may need to be amended with organic matter to improve aeration and drainage.

http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/pages/g00012.asp

[dave o]

how deep is the clay base? try aerating the lawn and topdressing it with a good topsoil blend, making sure you pick up the clay cores and all the holes are filled completely with the new topdressing. do this 3 X a year until you have a good soil base for plants. In some areas of the country, deep tine aeration is available, up to 14" deep, if you go this route, make sure to get line locations for buried cable or pipes first.
dave