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Compacted, dry coastal soil.

novice3novice3 Posts: 9
in Problem solving
The garden is in a beautiful location and has some perennials, a few bulbs, and lots of self seeded bits and bobs, without wanting to ruin the natural look of it all we really feel like we need to improve the soil to get more out of it. It is incredibly well drained, so dry and compacted and is south facing so in a great position.
When and how is a good time to do this? Should I attempt to dig it over? Or just add manure on top? 

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Hi 😊 can you tell us a bit more about the garden, roughly where it is, size etc ... and show us some photos please ... that’ll give us an idea of options for you. 

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





  • novice3novice3 Posts: 9
    Hi it’s on the South Coast of Cornwall so lovely mild climate, wet in winter, but dry in the summer. I’ve just been asked to help with the garden, it’s not mine, so no photos I’m afraid..... 
     I know where most of the perennials are, so can avoid damaging them but wondering whether I can add manure now and whether I should dig it in? 
    Also just want to know ‘ what up’ keep jobs I can do right now with it really.... (I’ve obvs. Looked at the Nov/Dec gardening jobs now on gardeners world and rhs sites)... thanks for quick reply ☺️
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I would simply mulch with as much well rotted manure and garden compost as possible and leave the worms to do the work for you. 



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





  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    Cornwalls climate is notoriously wet so I would wait until late winter before mulching. The nutients will simply wash through the soil as it is so sandy.
    As far as plants are concerned rather then fight a losing battle with thin fast draining conditions think in terms of Mediteranean plants. When allowed go and look around some of the coastl gardens open to the public and see what grows well in them. There will always be weeding and tidying up to do as well  as dead heading etc. Paths and edgings to maintain. Look in other people's gardens as well for plant ideas. Good luck and enjoy.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Being on the coast, do you have access to seaweed?  Good nutrients and a good slug repellent with its salt content.
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