root rot planting problems

[Anonymous]

our heavy clay soil has almost no drainage ability,

we have started mulching big time but I am still seeing root rot, admittedly I am probably overwatering, but my plants are babies and it is over 100 degrees, I panic,

would digging a very, very deep hole and puting gravel or sand in the bottom help?

we live in the Sacramento valley area

thank you </p>

[Anonymous]

Hi Julienne -You may have too much mulch now in your soil. Try adding sand or small gravel to your soils where your plants are. To help combat the heat you might try a chicken wire cage to allow air to pass through with a card board top for shade. Always make your hole bigger than you need for planting, this will help the roots get started better. Also, if you find out what type of soil your plants like growing in you may be able to get some from a national forest, at least to get your plant started. Let me know how things work out. Ben</p>