Gardening and Horticulture - Cover crop to get soil in shape

Hi,
We're in Austin, TX and starting to get our yard in shape. I've staked out a pie shaped area (weird back yard) about 800 sq. ft. for a future garden. Right now, it's going to be little more than a science experiment for my son. We've got terrible soil. Some years ago there was an above ground pool - what's left is alot of sand, a black tarp (which I removed), and then some seriously compacted black clay. I've gathered some info and the plan I've come up with is to till, mix in manure and some green sand, till again, and plant a few things for my son to experiment on. Keeping the growing minimal since I don't expect anything much. I am interested in covering most of the area with something because it's so bare and needs protecting. I was wondering if a cover crop might be in order? We're in zone 8b, going into a hot summer so I'm not sure. My second idea is to just cover it. I have about 16 bags of leaves I can shred - I was saving them for a magnificent compost bin but I'm more concerned about getting the area healthy. Any info appreciated.

Thanks,
April

If it were me I would just cover it with the leaves, grass clippings and manure. A cover crop like rye would do well over the winter down there but would suffer in the heat of the summer. The leaves and grass will break down enriching the soil and providing valuable organic material to the soil while also providing erosion protection.

I would plant clover. It's easy to kill off when you no longer want it, but fixes nitrogen (adds it to the soil) while it's growing.

Your local Dept. of Agriculture Extension Agent would be an excellent contact for you and your son. You will learn about soil tests and required amendments, cover crops, recommended grass seed varieties and lawn maintenance schedule for your area, as well as recommended plant species for your vegetable and flower gardens and landscape. If you have 4-H in your area, the Dept. of Agriculture can introduce your son to their gardening program.

One of the best things you can do for your soil is to add lots of compost. It will improve drainage, texture, enrich the soil and help to aerate. Here's some helpful links about cover crops, green manure and compost.
http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/factsheets/orgmatter/index.html
http://www.attra.org/soils.html
http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/covercrop.html#principle
http://gardening.wsu.edu/stewardship/compost/manure/manure0.htm

Texas Extension
http://texasextension.tamu.edu/

Newt