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Winter Heavy clay.

magant11magant11 Posts: 55
in Plants
Can anyone give me help with my 6 X 2 plot, at present I have Dryopteris Wallichiana ferns and Japanese Holly ferns, I would like to have help with what else I can plant in the soil without having to tread on it .I can't afford to put patio or decking there.
The plot is partially shaded shaded and soil in winter is very sticky & summer dries out to a degree.
I would be really grateful for any help & advice.

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Keep well off it for now but lay on a thick layer of several inches of well-rotted garden compost if you have it or else some cheap multi-purpose form a DIY store.  When you do plant, lean in from the edges or stand on a board so you don't compact the clay.

    The RHS suggests the following plants as being very good in clay - https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/articles/graham-rice/plants-for-places/ten-agms-for-clay  You can use their plant finder feature to seek out other plants suitable for you aspect and soil.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • magant11magant11 Posts: 55
    Many thanks for your help, have got lots of compost ready ,and thanks for the link to the for plants for clay soil.
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    I have very cold wet heavy clay here in shropshire. I cover the surface with a thick layer of wood chip (which is free if you can find a source). Means I can walk on the soil without damaging it.
    i struggle with bulbs, even daffodils rot but snakes head fritillaries are doing well and you can grow them from seed. Also hellebores, ferns, primulas, hardy geraniums,aruncus, darmera, hostas, lots of grasses (but not all). Penstemon and fuchsia do well but are short lived.
    trial and error.
  • MrsinghMrsingh Posts: 4
    Try digging in Soil Conditioner (its cheap and just a mix of organic matter and manure), then if you are of a lazy disposition (like me), get some 'clay breaker' to make the soil more workable (depending on how much soil you want to lighten up, then look for 'agricultural gypsum, which is sold in bulk about £20 for 25kg), which is the generic name for 'clay breaker'. It what Farmers use to break up heavy clay soil.
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