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How to dig in heavy clay soil
Hi, our whole area has very heavy clay soil, which is very heard to dig. It is vey heard when dry and really sticky when moist. Before planting I always dig in organic matter which improves the soil, but it is ver hard work.
I wonder if you can share any tips or recommend tools to make digging a bit easier.
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If you can mulch heavily with bulky organic material, ( well rotted manure, or garden compost etc ) will help in the longer term.
On a plus note, clay soils are very good at holding nutrients.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/soil-composts-mulches/clay-soils
https://www.cpa-horticulture.co.uk/compost/composted-bark-fines
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Better still, wait until you've had a good soaking of rain. The soil will be wonderfully workable for about 3 days. When the window of opportunity opens, drop everything, take a day off work, do whatever is necessary and happily dig .
Ended up pouring a watering can or twos worth of water in stages while I dug away with a hand trowel.
Have no idea whether this is correct or not but I can hardly make an impression in my soil on a good day! I’m not very strong/fit! I have even bought a ladies/smaller border fork and spade - to no avail ☹️