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I have alkaline clay soil

Chris.debbieChris.debbie Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Does anyone have a list of plants that can thrive in Alkaline clay soil please? My garden is on a West Devon UK hillside in full sun, very dry but poor drainage. Recent soil test shows that it is both alkaline and clay, which I think is unusual based on my research so far as most clay soils seem to be acidic. Thanks Chris

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    There's a site here from Cranfield uni/DEFRA that gives info on local soil conditions. Just put in your postcode - just to check that your results match.

    Many nurseries have filters that tailor the results to your conditions.
    e.g. Crocus the filters are on the left of the page

    There are many plants that will be suitable.
    Clay is actually good stuff, the problem is all the good stuff is bound up by the clay particles. Adding lots of organic matter (manure etc) will help release all that 'good stuff'


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Chris.debbieChris.debbie Posts: 2
    Thanks Pete, I’ll look up the site you suggest
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    I have alkaline clay, too. I can't remember the scientific words involved but it is also very densely packed so that it doesn't hold much oxygen or many nutrients. When you dig up a lump in winter it looks greyish and is waterlogged. Do not despair: many plants will live happily in it, especially if you improve it by digging in muck of every sort and also some grit if you can. Acid lovers are clearly not an option and you have to avoid plants that are intolerant of changing conditions because your soil will be very wet in winter and bone dry in summer so start with the sort of plants that are tough and experiment. I can't give you a list because I grow so many things successfully, but my message is - you will be fine and have a lovely garden!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I garden on clay but it it's neutral to acidic, but the advice is the same - loads of well rotted manure will help to break it up and also help retain moisture when the weather's dry, and assist drainage when wet.
    That will enable you to grow a wider variety of plants, although as Posy says, you'll need to avoid the obvious acid lovers and those that like full shade if you have a lot of sun and so on. Bear in mind though, that as you plant, and as those plants get mature [especially shrubs and trees ] they will create their own little micro climates too. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    The  clay soils of High Suffolk are alkaline ... they've had plenty of manure and other organic matter incorporated over the years and are some of the most productive and valuable farms in the country.  You'll have a wonderful garden.  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384
    The only organic matter to really avoid using in your case is mushroom compost which contains added lime so will make the soil more alkaline.  Well-rotted manure would be my choice. :)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    We also have alkaline clay soil, also on a south facing hillside and I can grow most things. Being on a slope helps with the drainage too so I wouldn't worry too much. As the others say, lots of organic matter really helps, along with bags of horticultural grit and hort. sand.  Good luck, I'm sure it will be lovely.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
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