lawnsmith is your friend. Google the site, loads of handy tips on there and plenty of stuff to buy. I bought some classic seed as it seemed to be similar to the type of grass I already have. I seeded mine at the end of September and its given quite a decent coverage, although it is patchy in places. I plan to overseed in spring to thicken the sward.
I turned over the existing topsoil and added more to it before walking all over it. Unfortunately, I dont think you can ever get it all out when the ground is fairly dry as it does sink a bit more when its wet. Mine has been a bit yellow tipped also, so I'm not sure how much goodness is in the soil, so I've fed it with some autumn feed. MUCH cheaper than turfing!
Further to the above thread and advice given, i have a few more questions.
I have since removed the turf and associated soil to only a depth of circa 50mm. Even after heavy rainfall, the soil underneith the turf appears relatively dry. I have therefor taken the view to work with the soil i have, given that its not as clayey as i first thought. Any big lumps are being removed.
I have been digging and turning over the whole site to about 300 mm, and incorporating lots of soil improver (about £25 per tonne). Ill probably get through a tonne over the whole garden. Overall, its far from friable at the minute, but ill leave for the frosts and dig again over the next few months.
My questions so far...
I plan on importing 1 tonne of sand/loam topsoil in March. 50% will be dug into existing soil. The other 50% will be spread out on top of the soil, and levelled. Is this a sensible idea?
Do i need to compress the existing soil before i mix in the 50% of topsoil. As i've turned it over mixing in soil improver, its somewhat more aerated, and compacts very easily when i stand on it.
I assume the existing soil needs to be pretty level and free of large clods before i begin to mix in the topsoil? Is march a good time for this, assuming the existing soil dries out a bit, and for ease of spreading/levelling new topsoil?
Posts
lawnsmith is your friend. Google the site, loads of handy tips on there and plenty of stuff to buy. I bought some classic seed as it seemed to be similar to the type of grass I already have. I seeded mine at the end of September and its given quite a decent coverage, although it is patchy in places. I plan to overseed in spring to thicken the sward.
I turned over the existing topsoil and added more to it before walking all over it. Unfortunately, I dont think you can ever get it all out when the ground is fairly dry as it does sink a bit more when its wet. Mine has been a bit yellow tipped also, so I'm not sure how much goodness is in the soil, so I've fed it with some autumn feed. MUCH cheaper than turfing!
Thanks for all your help. Ill report back in the Spring to show progress!
Good luck with it John. I'm sure it'll be great - you're certainly going about it the right way and being thorough. That always pays off
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Good morning All,
Further to the above thread and advice given, i have a few more questions.
I have since removed the turf and associated soil to only a depth of circa 50mm. Even after heavy rainfall, the soil underneith the turf appears relatively dry. I have therefor taken the view to work with the soil i have, given that its not as clayey as i first thought. Any big lumps are being removed.
I have been digging and turning over the whole site to about 300 mm, and incorporating lots of soil improver (about £25 per tonne). Ill probably get through a tonne over the whole garden. Overall, its far from friable at the minute, but ill leave for the frosts and dig again over the next few months.
My questions so far...
Thanks in advance!
J
You have a similar project and dilemma to my back garden.
Rather than opening an identical thread I am closely following yours, before progressing further.
I remain slightly envious of your view though
anderson365 - No problem. Nice to have a view rather than boxed in with fence panels.
Edd - Thanks. Good to know that im on the right lines. Ill carry on as i was!
Ed, i wasn't planning on mixing in any sand to be honest. Instead opting for an imported blended loam topsoil...
Cheers Edd!