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Hello Julie

I had dreadful clay soil in Gloucester when I lived there. It was like concrete in the dry summer months and doubled the size of my wellies when I walked on it in the winter. I imported lots of gravel and sand and dug that it which definitely improved it. I had chickens, and the contents of their shed were composted and added to the soil too along with all the other compost I had made in three coal bunkers which I received from Freecycle. I never planted any seeds ever straight into the soil, not even carrots and other root crops. I grew the seeds in trays and transplanted them when I thought they had a chance in the clay soil, and everything grew beautifully.

Good luck and look after your back!

Henwoman wrote:Hello Julie
I never planted any seeds ever straight into the soil, not even carrots and other root crops. I grew the seeds in trays and transplanted them when I thought they had a chance in the clay soil, and everything grew beautifully.

Good luck and look after your back!

I'm still working with that very clay. I agree, no point in planting any seeds straight into the soil, they don't stand a chance.

Zoe

thank you ladies, I'm taking note...

It's great sharing the excitement vicariously. Do post more updates when you can.