Soil stabilser

[Easywriter]

Hello again

My new allotment (when I get it!) is clay soil, recently rotovated, now in hard, fist-sized chunks.

I've been advised that soil stabilser would be a good start, I can get as much as I like, for free, from:

http://www.donarbon.com/free-compost

(although it seems to be just compost).

Good idea? If I used it, could I still plant straight away, or would I need to wait a while (weeks?) for it to 'settle down' ?

Regards,

Easywriter

[Easywriter]

[SMP1704]

Never heard it called soil stabiliser before but it is what you need and free as well - I'm jealous!

Most of us have clay soil - it does have some benefits - it holds moisture and nutrients well.

I suggest watering the area well and then mulch with the Donarbon compost and for £50 I would be inclined to go for a delivered skip load!  Leave it for a few days and you should find that the lumps are easier to break up.  Don't bother digging it in, just plant direct.  Root veg such as carrots and parsnips might produce some weird shapes but if you want you can make root shaped holes using a dibber, fill with sieved compost and sow a few seeds per hole - reduce to the strongest grower.

Good luck and enjoy ;D

[Easywriter]

Thanks for the advice. The 'allotment co-ordinator' had talked about getting a skip load, but the problem was where to put it (the allotments are only accessible on foot).

I notice you're in Isleworth - I did my student placement there back in the 70s. 455 London Road, near the railway bridge.

Carefree days!  :-\

[lincsyokel2]

Its composted Green waste. Works fine as a soil conditioner, dont try growing anything in in raw though.