Digging when it's wet/soggy

[sparrow100]

I know it's not something that is advised.

However, if it has happened, what's the best thing to do to repair damage to the soil structure? In particular clay soil. And how long does it take?

Need to help a friend who's been wellying wet clay about.

[roitelet]

The best thing to do is to wait until the soil dries out but of you must dig stand on a plank which will distribute the weight and keep the boots much cleaner.

[Martin H]

Hopefully he's left it nice and rough? If so, just leave it for the frosts to break up. Spread well-rotted organic stuff on it once it dries out enough in the spring.

[Guest]

what's the best thing to do to repair damage to the soil structure? .

Damage soil structure! I have never understood this statement. You are always going to change soil structure be it walking on it, digging it, feeding it etc but why would you damage it? (add toxic waste maybe)

I wouldn't advise digging when wet cos it is ruddy hard going

So after all that waffle my response to your question is do not worry about it. Over time you are looking to create soil suitable to what you want but you are not damaging it.

[KevinM67]

As has been stated before, I don't think you cause any lasting damage trying to dig clay soil when it's soggy - it's just a pointless exercise.

I love to dig when it's frosty, as long as the spade goes through it easy enough. The soil becomes nice and crumbly, breaks up easily and it's great when removing stubborn stuff, like couch grass, bramble roots, etc.

When I first started on the plot (5 years ago), I never had immediate supplies of manure, compost, etc. to improve the soil - however, it's amazing how resilient little seeds / plants can be in clay soil.

[sparrow100]

Hopefully he's left it nice and rough? If so, just leave it for the frosts to break up. Spread well-rotted organic stuff on it once it dries out enough in the spring.

Er no. It looks like slurry. Really, really wet, no air in it at all and it has sunk a good few inches compared to the un-dug beds. Thankfully only 2 beds because it was such hard work. Said friend realises that they may have been a pillock. Am hoping from what you say that copious amounts of rotted manure when it's damp & before it sets like concrete might remedy it. They've only had the plot for 2 months.

[Snadger]

That's basically what 'damaged structure' means, a lack of air spaces within the soil!

All he/she could do is cover it with manure and hope the worms would help to repair the structure by shifting the organic matter from the surface through the soil profile.

[muddled]

I would get fresher manure, lots of straw in it, dig out a bit of soil/slurry and fill the gap with straw....top with the slurry....repeat.

I know doing anything to clay while wet is frowned upon but here the damage has been done in that those two beds will be good for nowt next season. They will also present a very discouraging reminder of your friends mistake every time they go to the plot.

I reckon giving them a way to attempt a 'fix' will be heartening in itself. The sunken appearance will be eradicated.
I think the aeration offered by the straw will help the bed dry off and manure....well, it's always good isn't it? And lets face...it can hardly make the bed any worse
There is nothing worse than the feeling you've mucked it up before you've begun.

I really hope your friend isn't put off by his/her shaky start

[Guest]

If its that sloppy and snotty leave it to dry out. If it is puddling fork the ground but that is very short term unfortunately. When it is like that there is usually a lack of worm/insect activity so not much point for manuring. Manuring is good but in this case it will be dig it in when its drier. I like muddleds post of straw and manure but the thought of digging slurry makes my back feel achey

[sparrow100]

Cheers for the advice - I like the idea of straw and manure too. Also like the idea of them waiting till it's drier to do it - March then? Will pass all this on, thanks.

Will be playing slip-slide on my own patch when the sun comes up - I need a path that I can walk on without fear of becoming a mud-angel.

[Nicos]

There will most probably be worms in compost...is that what you mean...rather than manuring?