new allotment in Dover

[eastkentspur]

soil is very chalky and quite shallow

any advice on how to improve it and what will grow best gratefully received

[eastkentspur]

[Flighty]

A warm welcome to A4A! I'm sorry I can't help regarding your chalky soil as mine is heavy clay but I'm sure that someone will be along who can advise.

[saddad]

I'm on clay too... but welcome to A4A eastkentspur... (sounds like a road!!)
I think the basic add more organic matter advice holds good..  :-X

[flossy]

  Hi eastkentspur ,  [ is that a football team ]       ;D

   Do think that sharp sand , garden lime and plenty compost helps ---

    got the same soil in my garden,    :) 

[Digeroo]

, garden lime

I am not sure that you need lime on chalky soil.  Chalky very porous so the nutrients will wash out easily.  Another vote for lots of organic matter.  Maybe a good place for raised beds to increase the soil depth (not for drainage). 

[flossy]

   Your right Digeroo,  lots a muck is the answer ---   tired gardening person !     ;D

[eastkentspur]

flossy is right, it's a football team  ;D

and thanks to all who gave advice, i'm reluctantly headed down the raised bed route  :(