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Soil Improvement Advice

FizzleFizzle Posts: 7
in Problem solving
Hi all
This is my first post on the forum. I am not a complete novice but need your advice please about how to improve the condition of my soil.
We moved into this property four years ago and the garden was very mature and somewhat neglected. I am planning a garden refurbishment and we have already removed several enormous shrubs that had really reached the end of their lives and were taking up far too much space.
We also took out quite a large pond that we didn’t want and filled in the hole with topsoil and a bit of compost (multi purpose). This bed was quickly overrun with bindweed, which I fervently hope we have now conquered! We moved all the plants we had already put in to an empty raised bed and cleared it completely.
We have lovely loamy soil that’s neutral to alkaline (we’re in Lincolnshire) and the best texture I have ever had, but I am confused what I should do to improve the nutrients in it before replanting.
The rest of the borders, where the big shrubs were, would probably benefit from some enrichment too.
i do not have my own compost to mulch the beds, so will have to buy in.
I plan to put in some shrubs over the winter/early springtime, then follow with perennials, so would like to get the soil ready as soon as possible.
There seems to be such a lot of choice when it comes to soil improvers and varying advice on the internet, so I am asking you for advice on what to do, hopefully not at an exorbitant cost!
Many thanks in advance x



Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    With soil that's already good, you don't need to worry too much (I'm very envious :D ). Any organic matter (bagged soil conditioner, composted bark, well-rotted manure, spent mushroom compost) would be great for mulching but it doesn't sound like you would need it to improve the soil structure in the same way as someone with sand or clay soil.
    For nutrients (rather than mulch or improving soil structure), particularly if you think it might be depleted where you've taken the shrubs out, or if plants are showing signs of being hungry, you can sprinkle on something like pelleted chicken poo, blood, fish and bone or a general granular fertiliser if you want to.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FizzleFizzle Posts: 7
    Thanks Jenny. That’s very reassuring!
    Would it be ok to add FBB now?

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Hi there, it sounds as if you have done much of what is needed to start your garden refurbishment so you're more of a knowlegeable novice!

    I inherited a similar garden when I moved in to my current property.  The first winter, before I started any refurbishments on the house, I had a large delivery of what is called winter compost and spread a good four inches or so all over my borders.  In February, I then applied a feed of blood fish and bone to the established trees and shrubs.  This worked well during the first growing season and I have topped up the borders each year with extra compost plus a bark mulch to protect the soil from moisture loss and weeds.

    You seem to have an excellent soil in terms of structure and alkalinity, it may only need added compost at this stage.  You can then add extra structure or nutrients when you decide on your planting plan and make adjustments according to your plants' individual requirements.  Many plants dislike a very rich soil and will produce soft disease and pest prone growth at the expense of flowers, fruit and seeds.  Others thrive on nutrient poor or impoverished soils.  Hence the old adage of right plant, right place.

    Check to see if you have a good local supplier of peat free compost.  There are also some large suppliers who deliver nationally but delivery can be expensive.  Good luck with your garden refurbishment!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    edited December 2021
    A couple of inches or more of well-rotted manure left on top over the winter will give the soil ecosystem a boost, and this will lead to an overall boost in soil fertility.  Add more to areas where particularly hungry plants, shrubs and trees will be going.  I also sometimes use FBB as an addition for some plants, usually in the spring.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Fizzle said:
    Thanks Jenny. That’s very reassuring!
    Would it be ok to add FBB now?


    Leave it until things start to grow in the string. The plants won't be taking up nutrients in winter and the goodness will just wash away in the rain.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    If you are planting shrubs, trees etc in the winter, you can add a bit of bone meal mixed into the soil when you fill in the planting hole. That's lower in nitrogen, higher in phosphorus which supports root growth, and is slower-release than FBB. But with good soil to start with, you don't really need it.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • StephenSouthwestStephenSouthwest Posts: 635
    I think in your situation, I'd be looking for local sources of free old manure - not so much because it's free, but more because it's both the least environmentally destructive, and the best stuff for the job. I'd get three times as much as I think I'll need, spread it on the surface, and job done!
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