Hole holding water

[Brownish thumb]

I recently purchased a new home. I was going to transplant some potted plants to my backyard. I dug the holes like I normally do and filled them with water to prep them for the transplant. However, the soil is hard clay and the water has not drained after 24 hours. I’m concerned if I plant my lemon tree and blackberry bushes that I will have root rot due to the fact that it’s gonna hold water in the soil. I was gonna add some compost and garden soil to the clay, but I’m not sure that that’s going to solve the problem. Any suggestions or recommendations?

 

[Chuck]

If container growing is out of the question I would make a berm out of your native clay soil and some other soil which has a lot of organic matter in it. Make it well above grade to ensure proper drainage

 

[Chuck]

I notice you are from Cypress but not which state. If Cypress Texas you might be able to grow a lemon outdoors but only if it is well protected and lemons grow to a size that complete protection is impossible. Low to mid 20'sF can be fatal if temps are prolonged.

 

[cpp gardener]

Cypress CA?

 

[Brownish thumb]

Sorry Cypress Tx

 

[Meadowlark]

Sorry Cypress Tx

Big Howdy...and Welcome @Brownish thumb...Cy-Fair sports top notch and the area ranks 50th among the highest-income urban areas in the U.S.