New member near Middlesbrough

[richie_f82]

Hi everyone,
My names Richard, have been gardening for several years now with various levels of success! Having moved just outside Middlesbrough from York last autumn I'm looking forward to getting this gardening year started.
Although the soil here is worse than in York, least in York I could do something with 80% sand, whereas 90% clay is really nasty stuff. Still I'll try my best

[Bren In Pots]

Hello Richard and welcome to the vine

[Noosner]

Hi Richard, and welcome. I garden on clay, too, and it does have some advantages. Have you thought of trying the no-dig method? Apparently that's a particularly good method on clay.

[noviceveggrower]

Hello there and welcome to the Vine

[Glutton4...]

Hello, and welcome to the Madhouse!

[Miss Mouse]

Hello Richard and welcome

I'm new to the Grapevine myself, only having joined a couple of weeks ago, and I'm already picking up useful tips and know-how. I am new to GYO, so I find all advice welcome. I'm also on clay soil - having my first attempt at growing in the ground (as well as in containers) this season in a raised bed.

So good luck to both of us and everyone else on clay soil!

[Lumpy]

Hello Richard, I am glad you have found all of us on here. You will find loads od useful info and advice as well as the comical and downright daft.
I don't envy your clay - maybe its natures natural keep fit method. Have a brilliant growing year in your new garden.

[cariann88]

Hello and welcome

[Martin H]

Hi and welcome to the vine.

Clay is much better than sand once you get it under control, it's richer and more fertile. You can tell this from how vigorously the weeds grow! Once you've got the perennial weeds out, spread as much organic matter on the soil as you can find, as often as you can, let the worms take it down and work it in.

Enjoy your gardening!

[Knight of Albion]

A very warm welcome to the forum, dear Richard.

[Travellers]

Hello & Welcome Richard, Im in Great Ayton. Good luck, Ian.

[Verinda]

Hello Richard, welcome to the forum

[Guest]

Hi and welcome to the vine. Have fun and enjoy

[Bigmallly]

Hello Richard & welcome to the jungle.

[Jay-ell]

Hi Richard and welcome. Clay does hold onto the water better than sand a benefit in hot weather (but can be a right clarty sod when it's bucketing down).

I'm making as much compost as possible to tame mine a bit. Seems to be working as my beds are all covered in worm poop after dragging it into the soil.

It is, however, a complete pain to riddle though.