It will work @Kathm - but it takes a bit of time. If you add the fibrous compost, it's better to mix that in so that it spreads well throughout the whole area, rather than layering it. Once it's in and established, you can do the mulching of any organic matter as you'll have the general soil mix in a better state
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
The traditional way of cultivating a clay soil is to leave as rough clods for the frost to beak down over the winter.
I have no practical experience, but there are commercial clay coagulants available. Names such as "clay breaker" and "clay buster". Gypsum is suggested, and Lime if you. don't mind a pH lift. Alum would be good, especially if you wanted to grow blue hydrangeas.
Both of the above with the addition of organic materials.
location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand. "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
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If you add the fibrous compost, it's better to mix that in so that it spreads well throughout the whole area, rather than layering it. Once it's in and established, you can do the mulching of any organic matter as you'll have the general soil mix in a better state
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I have no practical experience, but there are commercial clay coagulants available. Names such as "clay breaker" and "clay buster". Gypsum is suggested, and Lime if you. don't mind a pH lift. Alum would be good, especially if you wanted to grow blue hydrangeas.
Both of the above with the addition of organic materials.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
You don’t need clay breakers.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."