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Improving lawn soil quality

My lawn soil is mostly clay which is soggy by winter and dry by summer.

I aerate the soil by forking, spiking and have holes 30 mm dia x 300mm deep filled with grit approx 300mm apart to try improve its quality and drainage etc. In the dry periods I use a sprinkler in the evening for an hour or so on the rear lawn. The rear lawn is a play area for the grandchildren and front lawns are not.

I have used chicken pellets sprinkled over the lawn after spiking etc to try help its quality in the Autumn and now.

Are the pellets the best option for the soil I have, not wanting to dig-in/re-lay etc the lawns.
South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon

Posts

  • I'd consider a sump drain to minimise the worst of the puddling, then a few carefully-planned treatments through spring/summer.
  • fab_io18fab_io18 Posts: 1
    edited February 2020
    I’ve tried sump drains, spent thousands and they didn’t touch My heavy clay lawn. Two years ago I purchased agricultural gypsum and it has been i different story since.... on a lawn approx 140msquare I spread 5 x 25kg bags twice a year and brush it through the canopy... my neighbours even think it’s taking the water away from their lawns!!!!
  • Thanks all,
    fab_io18, I've read something of this some time ago and not seen alot of mention of it.

    At what time of the year do you apply your gypsum. ?
    South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon
  • Greg4Greg4 Posts: 91
    I feel for you, my previous garden had same/similar problems. Thankfully I moved house and now have a free drawing soil.

    like you I tried much but it never really helped.

    i now have two lovely manicured lawns, and I don’t agree with previous comment, they are great for the wild like and ecology, they help to soak up lots of water, there’s plenty of life in a manicured lawn and they really set of the borders in a garden.

    The temperature on a lawn on a hot day is a good few degrees cooler than paved areas too.

    Yes lawns are hard work to keep well but it’s second nature for me and a labour of love.
  • I've read conflicting things on the forum of using 'Gypsum'.

    Some say only 'Agriculture Gypsum' must be used in the garden/lawn.
    And some say it OK to use 'Builders Gypsum'. ??  
    South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon
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