i agree the no dig process is very vogue at present but if you want to improve a clay soil now then adding manure /compost must be carried out to mix with the clay structure, so that it breaksdown quicker. Grit will improve drainage if mixed throughly with the manure. Once you decide what manure to add and planted plants that will thrive then a mulch over the soil should be an annual process as this will decrease weeds and retain moisture.The mulch will degrade in to the soil over a season and again improve the quality to the soil. Basically adding manure will encourage works and other micro insect. Woms will tunnel through the soil to create drainage and air pockets. All plants except bog plants require free drained soil to survive. So if you want that boarder filled with plants this season then get manure/compost in to the soil
I checked my soil type on the website you provided, please see result below. Does this mean my soil will get waterlogged easily?
Says acidy soil so is it okay to plant Rhododendrons?
Would I have to add anything in it for Alkaline soil plants to thrive? Bit worried as most of the plants I have bought are probably for alkaline and neutral soil.
W are on clay, (near South Downs) the Downs side, they have chalk. Roses love it, most plants arent too fussy, we have plenty of rhodos and azaleas, some get pretty waterlogged, shady border, they are woodland plants. Camelas do very well on our soil.
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i agree the no dig process is very vogue at present but if you want to improve a clay soil now then adding manure /compost must be carried out to mix with the clay structure, so that it breaksdown quicker. Grit will improve drainage if mixed throughly with the manure. Once you decide what manure to add and planted plants that will thrive then a mulch over the soil should be an annual process as this will decrease weeds and retain moisture.The mulch will degrade in to the soil over a season and again improve the quality to the soil. Basically adding manure will encourage works and other micro insect. Woms will tunnel through the soil to create drainage and air pockets. All plants except bog plants require free drained soil to survive. So if you want that boarder filled with plants this season then get manure/compost in to the soil
Thank you for all your help everyone. Some really useful advice. ?
I checked my soil type on the website you provided, please see result below. Does this mean my soil will get waterlogged easily?
Says acidy soil so is it okay to plant Rhododendrons?
Would I have to add anything in it for Alkaline soil plants to thrive? Bit worried as most of the plants I have bought are probably for alkaline and neutral soil.
Thank you in advance
Last edited: 07 February 2018 22:32:40
W are on clay, (near South Downs) the Downs side, they have chalk. Roses love it, most plants arent too fussy, we have plenty of rhodos and azaleas, some get pretty waterlogged, shady border, they are woodland plants. Camelas do very well on our soil.
Perhaps accept that it will take some years to work your soil. It's a long arc project. Choose plants that are happy on clay.