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Improving clay soil

RubiRubi Posts: 131
in Problem solving
I'm planning to make a vegetable bed and also plant some small plants along my fence border next year. which is south facing. The site is south facing and clay is hard in summer and as I'm in Manchester I get a lot of puddles on the surface. I want to spend the next year trying to improve my soil. I have done tests on my soil and both results said my soil is alkaline. Any advice on what I can do will be much appreciated.
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Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Loads of well rotted manure, compost and grit (or fine gravel) dug into it will make a big difference. That all helps to open up the clay and make it a better medium to work with. Plats will thrive in clay but when it's more workable, it means you can plant a wider variety of plants because the conditions are better. Every time you plant something, put plenty of grit and compost in the planting hole too.

    If you can't get hold of manure from a stable or farm, you can buy it in bags from Garden Centres and DIY stores image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    Best way Rubi is add as much composted material as you can. Whether that's maure or homemade compost doesn't matter. You can also add grit or pea shingle. If you can get hold of it strawy manure/ horse manure is best. Add a thick layer, 2-4 inches of it at almost anytime and let the worms do the work for you. As soon as one application has worked it's way in do it again. You'll probably get two or three opportunity's over a 12 month period maybe even four. It will make a huge difference 

  • RubiRubi Posts: 131
    Thanks Fairygirl. How deep should I dig the manure into the clay?

    Also is the Grosure Farmyard manire good to use?
  • RubiRubi Posts: 131
    With regards to grit, can I use sharp sand? I will be laying a patio so imagine I will have some left over.
  • RubiRubi Posts: 131
    Hi Dave. With regards to the manire, should I just add a thick layer of manure on top of clay without breaking it up first?
  • RubiRubi Posts: 131
    And how do I add the grit/pea shingle? Do I mix it in with the clay, then pile manire and compost on top?

    Do I then need to cover this with anything, like wood clippings?
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,888

    I'd not use sand, the bulkier the better, hence manure / garden compost.

    Devon.
  • ZenjeffZenjeff Posts: 652

    Rubi

    Grosure farmyard manure is good Wickes as it on offer 3 bags for £10 and an extra 15% for Easter 

  • RubiRubi Posts: 131
    Zenjeff, that's where I was going to order from today.
  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    Rubi if you're not looking for quick results just pile it on and spread the grit/ shingle on top. Nature will do all the work for you. All you have to do is keep it weed free.

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