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Heavy clay soils

Posted by Jill Le Claire on March 23, 2010 at 5:09pm
Hi-I have 2 gardens l am designing that both have heavy clay soils. I could remove and replace with decent topsoil or use raised beds but was hoping someone can come up with a more inventive solution. Thank you in advance.
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  • Jill Le Claire March 23, 2010 at 5:24pm
    One garden will become a wildlife haven and the other a woodland garden (middle of London!)
  • Jill Le Claire March 23, 2010 at 5:41pm
    Hi Andrew
    You are right-still getting over the last clay soil-alright this time of year but wll have to plant after compacting due to hard landscaping put in-could get them to add compost.....you are a hero!

    Andrew Bentley said:
    Clay is actually a great soil! It has a negative charge and binds well with 99% of the nutrients, making it easy to maintain in relation to richness of fertility......yes I appreciate its' a bugger to dig! Adding a coarse compost material will help it enormously and it will be ready for planting up in no time - think positive!
  • Jill Le Claire March 23, 2010 at 6:00pm
    Hi agin
    What do you use-coarse compost?-does it swear at you!

    Andrew Bentley said:
    Haha...thanks Jill, though I honestly think clay soils get too much of a negative press! A coarse compost with an element of woody material will help improve the soils structure without damaging the properties of the soil. Good luck with it!

    Jill Le Claire said:
    Hi Andrew
    You are right-still getting over the last clay soil-alright this time of year but wll have to plant after compacting due to hard landscaping put in-could get them to add compost.....you are a hero!

    Andrew Bentley said:
    Clay is actually a great soil! It has a negative charge and binds well with 99% of the nutrients, making it easy to maintain in relation to richness of fertility......yes I appreciate its' a bugger to dig! Adding a coarse compost material will help it enormously and it will be ready for planting up in no time - think positive!
  • Tim Haywood March 23, 2010 at 7:01pm
    Horticultural grit (as well as the organic matter) will open things up and help a spade slide in better.
  • ARTNOIRE March 23, 2010 at 8:26pm
    Hi Jill,

    Totally agree with Andrew - clay is much moaned about but given abit of TLC in the form of coarse grit (alpine type) and well rotted manure, it will give endless pleasure to plants!
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