Replace soil below a growing plant

[NoPatience]

I have couple of Clematis plants. I planted them three years ago on a mound. I think the soil is very hard below and the mound is always dry. Can I dig below and remove the soil and drop the plant to ground level? Is there any other way to replace that soil below without yanking the plant?

[Mary]

I think that you will damage the roots using the procedure that you describe, do a web search (google) for Clematis and you will probably find more information that you ever thought existed on that plant.

Mary

[jfrost]

If it was mine....i would have on hand >>

1. compost of some type/ or manure 2. soil amendments & organic fertilizer 3. post hole digger & wheel barrow

I would simply start digging as many holes close to & around the area as you are willing to do. I'd go down 18 to 24 inches & fill- in with the Compost.

Add the admendments & fertilizer only in the top few inches. water in. Top off with 6 inches of mulch. ( carry off the soil from the holes to some other location)

see

& join Discussion Group ... others can offer their two cents.

take before & after pictures... hope it really gets growing for you! j.