Great big clumps of clay

[Ruthie_Q]

Thanks again everyone.

You've really helped. I knew that clay was fertile but never thought that it could be workible. I like the idea of seeing what works & then rolling it out.

Unfortunately im not the most patient person going so so I am on a learning curve aswell & then when you add hubby into the mix, through being on the plot with him Im learning a new sport. Its called clay dodgeball.... lol.

[nickdub]

..... then when you add hubby into the mix, through being on the plot with him I'm learning a new sport. Its called clay dodgeball.... lol.

Now if you can only get a group of you in swimsuits and a hosepipe or two, you might be able to sell enough tickets to pay for your horticultural activities for the year :-)

[Jimny14]

I'm in a similar situation but on two fronts. My veg patch is significantly smaller than youre dealing with I would guess but I also have the ornamental boarders to deal with which have some established plants on them I want to keep.
The veg plot I am adding organic matter to as I can, there's a whole darlek of homemade compost ready to go on, also down the road there is a small stable always trying to rid itself of manure and some kind folk down the road giving away chicken manure so lots of that is going on this winter after everything has vacated. The areas I grew potatoes on last year appear to be better and I've got lots more potatoes this year.
The bigger issue I'm having is what to do with the ornamental bed, I'm top dressing with thinner layers of leaf mould, grass clippings and compost when I can but don't want to add toouch at once to raise the soil level around some of the already planted shrubs etc. Hey ho it's all part the fun.
Where in the north west are you?

[chillithyme]

I forgot to mention earlier, I used an azada/mattock for breaking up the clods after using it to first remove brambles and weeds etc.It was brilliant at break up the clods, but if you prefer the garden fork its good too. My neighbour prefers the fork, I prefer the azada/mattock, whichever works for you, it's all good

[Jay-ell]

I forgot to mention earlier, I used an azada/mattock for breaking up the clods after using it to first remove brambles and weeds etc.It was brilliant at break up the clods, but if you prefer the garden fork its good too. My neighbour prefers the fork, I prefer the azada/mattock, whichever works for you, it's all good

Or if you really need it

[ESBkevin]

I'm in a similar situation but on two fronts. My veg patch is significantly smaller than youre dealing with I would guess but I also have the ornamental boarders to deal with which have some established plants on them I want to keep.
The veg plot I am adding organic matter to as I can, there's a whole darlek of homemade compost ready to go on, also down the road there is a small stable always trying to rid itself of manure and some kind folk down the road giving away chicken manure so lots of that is going on this winter after everything has vacated. The areas I grew potatoes on last year appear to be better and I've got lots more potatoes this year.
The bigger issue I'm having is what to do with the ornamental bed, I'm top dressing with thinner layers of leaf mould, grass clippings and compost when I can but don't want to add toouch at once to raise the soil level around some of the already planted shrubs etc. Hey ho it's all part the fun.
Where in the north west are you?

Jimny just keep adding as much organic as you can, not fully broken down is fine because you are looking for the worms to finish that process and cultivate while they do it. Fresh horse or chicken manure should be avoided and composted away from the plants for 4-6 months before being applied. Chicken manure is very potent so go carefully.

[bikermike]

*cough*

... ... ... ...

heh! sorry....

[It never rains..it pours]

Clay soil here and where have added lots of horse manure, seaweed and some gypsum, it has turned it in lovely soil. Providing its drains ok where you are, clay rewards the hard work of mixing in organics

[1Bee]

Bikermike.

[Bluenowhere]

Would agree with others, manure is your friend and the easiest and quickest way to get clay into shape. The worms will do most of the hard work for you.

Potatoes are great at breaking down the soil (idea for next year). When the lumps dry out you can bash them with a fork or spade to break them up then mix in to the manure or compost (their might be a communial compost heap on your site (probably looks like a nettle mount at this time of year)

[Ruthie_Q]

I forgot to mention earlier, I used an azada/mattock for breaking up the clods after using it to first remove brambles and weeds etc.It was brilliant at break up the clods, but if you prefer the garden fork its good too. My neighbour prefers the fork, I prefer the azada/mattock, whichever works for you, it's all good

Now then an Azada - i have googled and they look amazing

[Ruthie_Q]

I'm in a similar situation but on two fronts. My veg patch is significantly smaller than youre dealing with I would guess but I also have the ornamental boarders to deal with which have some established plants on them I want to keep.
The veg plot I am adding organic matter to as I can, there's a whole darlek of homemade compost ready to go on, also down the road there is a small stable always trying to rid itself of manure and some kind folk down the road giving away chicken manure so lots of that is going on this winter after everything has vacated. The areas I grew potatoes on last year appear to be better and I've got lots more potatoes this year.
The bigger issue I'm having is what to do with the ornamental bed, I'm top dressing with thinner layers of leaf mould, grass clippings and compost when I can but don't want to add toouch at once to raise the soil level around some of the already planted shrubs etc. Hey ho it's all part the fun.
Where in the north west are you?

Hi were in Sunny Wigan

[Ruthie_Q]

We're in sunny Wigan

[Ruthie_Q]

I like the look of an Azada - theyre expensive though. I need to reign it in for this year. Lottie is turning out to be an expensive addition to the family at the mo ��

[Ruthie_Q]

Clay - what do i use to break it up

Hi there
Happy Sunday to you all. Ive got great big clods of clay. They are nearly the size of a bucket. Hubby refuses to put manure in the boot of his car Would you use the 6x pelleted chicken manure or clay breaker to break it up. I have about 70 sq m to dig over but that will be for planting & paths. I think there is clay right through it all. I believe its had sheds on the area for years.
Thanks xxxxx