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How to improve a poor light clay soil

GoneToEarthGoneToEarth Posts: 1
in Problem solving
I'd love some advice, please. I'm trying to improve a new bed. It's partially shady, under large sycamore trees so it's also a bit on the dry side. I want to know how best to improve the soil so that I can grow a few shade-tolerant plants.  Is it best to use compost or manure or a mixture of the two? Plus, do you have any recommendations of where's a good place to buy compost/manure in bulk. I think I'm going to need a lot. Thank you.

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @GoneToEarth Welcome. I think you are going to struggle planting under a sycamore it will take all the moisture available what ever you add to the soil.  Sorry if this seems negative. I am sure their are others who can share their thoughts.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Arthur1Arthur1 Posts: 542
    You need any organic matter you can get, manure, wood chip, garden compost etc. preferably composted beforehand though I often put material like wood chip straight on the surface. A tree surgeon might drop some off for you. You can dig it in, though worms will do the job for you. It takes time to improve a soils structure, five or more years, and you need to add OM annually. Trial and error will tell you what you can grow under your trees. Raising the trees head will minimise shade.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I agree that most plants are going to struggle there.
    Spring flowering bulbs and plants may be an exception though. By the time your tree is in leaf and sucking water out of the ground, the bulbs/plants will be dying back.

    But if you want to try, as Kate says - lots of organic matter needs to be added.
    I buy bulk loads from https://www.cpa-horticulture.co.uk/
    Avoid stuff like peat-free Multi Purpose Compost, it breaks down quickly and adds no lfe to the soil.


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    You haven't mentioned where you live. If you are fairly rural you will find owners of stables are often keen to sell stable waste and in my area a company collects muck and delivers it in builder's bags, so look in your local paper and online.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Is there such a thing as a light clay soil. Depending on the size of the bed,and aspect: NSEW? dry shade under trees is a nightmare.The only thing I have found is happy is hardy geraniums. A look online,you can bulk buy compost, grab bags,and yes manure from stables.
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