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Clay Soil

Mark-EMark-E Posts: 184
in Problem solving

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how (if possible) it is to improve clay soil ready for plantings vegetables?

Thanks,

Mark

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,123

    Hi Markimage

    An improved clay soil is one of the most fertile soils there is, capable of being very productive.  What it needs is the incorporation of lots of organic matter - well-rotted farmyard manure, spent mushroom compost and/or good home-made garden compost.  Start digging this into your soil now and continue every year and you'll soon have a wonderful vegetable garden. 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Mark-EMark-E Posts: 184

    Thanks Dovefromabove,

    Will it be difficult to grow anything this year? I added horse manure over the winter although its not mixed in very well and buried under the surface.

    Was hoping to grow some lettuce, cabbage, brocolli, sweetcorn, potatoes, onions, etc.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,123

    You've been doing the right thing. image 

    Fork your soil over and rake it down to a fine tilth as soon as you can and get sowing and planting - those plants should be fine - it's just that as the years go on and you add more and more organic matter the soil will get better and better and so will the results, and you'll be learning as you go.

    Good luck and let us know how you get on image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Mark-EMark-E Posts: 184

    Will give it a go, thanks for the advice.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,123

    image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • lilyrosemarylilyrosemary Posts: 1

    hi there,

    I have 2 beds weeded and ready to put muck on. some of the people down my allotment are using mushroom and some muck. most of my soil looks on the clay side. so would muck be best or is it good to use a combo?

    many thanks

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    Lilyrosemary, I would use muck where you are planting spuds and mushroom compost (which contains lime) where you are planting brassicas or root crops like carrots and everything else.  Spuds get scab if lime is added but it helps protect brassicas from diseases like club root.  Carrots and parsnips will fork if grown in freshly manured ground.  Next year, change which area you grow these three rough groups of veg in (called crop rotation) and you'll keep the soil (and everything else) nicely balanced. image

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Chris214Chris214 Posts: 6

    I have clay soil and couldn't even use my merrytiller to break it up. Went to my local tip and bought some of their compost which is better described as a soil conditioner. What a difference, merrytiller no longer stuck full of clay and  12 months on it turns over a treat. 

    One thing I did learn after buying 20 bags at £2 each is to take a builders bag and fill it for a fiver, great value and good to fill raised beds without breaking the bank. I mix it with regular compost.

    Thinking this year I may put some horse or cattle manure down over winter to supplement it.

    Last edited: 26 August 2017 15:07:03

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