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New Beds for Veg

Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100
in Problem solving
GM,
We have had 3 new beds built on heavy clay.
My next plan is to break down the clay by digging in grit and sand.
Cover with cardboard and then put more soil on top.
See attached pics.
Any advice on what I plan to do would be much appreciated. 
Thanks 
Peter

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I wouldn't add grit/sand. It's organic matter you need to break clay up successfully. Lots of rotted manure [you can also buy it bagged in GCs etc] compost, leaf mould, fine bark etc. You won't then need any soil added to it either. Afterwards, you can cover with card for winter if you want, as that will also break down and help, just as it does in a compost bin.
    That will create a better structure for your beds, and aid drainage, while being a far better medium for your planting. Grit is really only useful for pots or much smaller beds because you'd need tons of it to help an area that size and depth, and it's debateable as to whether it works long term as it'll work it's way through the bed over time. Same with sand - and it has to be the right sort of sand too for it to help. The wrong kind can mean you end up with a worse soil structure than you started out with    :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100
    Thanks for feedback appreciate your thoughts on this and will reconsider my plan.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I completely agree with @Fairygirl
    Take a look at this RHS article that explains why sand/grit will not help and organic matter will -
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/soil-composts-mulches/clay-soils


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    Another way to help with heavy soil, which we have, @Peter553 is before filling those beds put a layer of straw at the bottom. It will help with drainage in the first year, and then rot down. Do think first what you plan to plant, as root crops don't like rich soil, so leaf mould would do for them, but potatoes would welcome the manure. Both could be a thick layer on top of your soil, then covered over winter, so the worms can do their job and give you good useful soil come spring.
  • floraliesfloralies Posts: 2,718
    Before you go any further would it be too much of a  hassle to take out the soil that you have put in and line the insides of your beds to preserve the wood longer from the wet. You can line with old compost bags turned inside out or pond liner etc and put drainage holes in, it really does help. Then carry on with the advice given above.
  • Peter553Peter553 Posts: 100
    Thanks for your prompt responses and great advice. I’m glad I asked the forum members before starting any work.😊🙏

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - I should have said that too @floralies. I always line them. Sleepers are pretty hefty, but it all helps.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • EmptyheadtimeEmptyheadtime Posts: 366
    Agree with others comments. All I would add is the wooden dividers seem to leave quite narrow sections that may limit growing space and dry out quicker. If they are there for a reason then fine or you could remove them to make 1 big bed or just leave the middle one and have just 2 larger sections. 

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