clay soil

[Willow]

Has anyone got any ideas on how to break up clay soil?
We made two raised beds this year for veggies and had to buy in topsoil because the soil in our garden is pure grey clay.. not a pebble or bit of grit in it...
In the winter the garden is a swamp and in summer it bakes rock hard.. On the bright side, we were able to dig a pond which doesnt need a liner..

[Mo]

The usual advice is 'dig in lots of organic material'.
Like well rotted chicken poo and grasss clippings maybe.

[PK]

Willow - you do have challenging 'soil'. Yes, digging in plenty of organic matter will help considerably but it is best if it is 'bulky', i.e. manure, mushroom compost etc. Grass cuttings and chicken poo won't make much in-roads and are best added to your own compost bin. In additon you should consider digging in plenty of grit. This might have to be bought in to supply the quantities needed but will be a once-off treatment. For good vegetable growing soil conditioning is needed and the hard work at the outset will always pay off with good crops.

Hi - this was my first post by the way - just registered.

Phil

[wendy]

Hi Phil,
Wecome to the forum. Sounds like you are going to be helpful
Wendy

[lancashire lass]

Lime is the chemical most used to break down the clay properties. It is very effective. Follow the instructions as you can overdo it and change the pH of the soil too much. You can add compost to the soil but not manure in the first year, as there can be a chemical reaction releasing ammonia which bleaches and kills off plants. Whatever you do, don't plant potatoes where you have limed the soil. Most fruit trees and bushes prefer acidic conditions, as do some vegetables, so choose where you want to put lime.



PS Forgot to mention that clay tends to be acidic, and lime is alkali. Fruit trees like apple and pear actually do very well in clay, but I seem to recall that black cherries like a bit of lime added to the soil (but do check!)