Hi,
I received my allotment in March this year and am making great progress digging it over, but the ground is like concrete in places. It was used as a bit of a dumping area and has been seriously compacted down. There seems to be very little organic matter in the soil. I'm told that the surface weeds had been sprayed with weed killer whilst it was not in use for a few years. The clods are dry and very hard, and have to be forked over many times to break them down and get them crumbly. The only thing growing are bind weed roots to about a spade's depth.
I've read that manuring can only be done in autumn/winter in preparation for spring planting. Is there any reason not to manure now or will I have to wait and put off growing legumes and brassicas until next year? What's the best way to improve the soil structure and fertility now?
ANy suggestions/advice please?
I received my allotment in March this year and am making great progress digging it over, but the ground is like concrete in places. It was used as a bit of a dumping area and has been seriously compacted down. There seems to be very little organic matter in the soil. I'm told that the surface weeds had been sprayed with weed killer whilst it was not in use for a few years. The clods are dry and very hard, and have to be forked over many times to break them down and get them crumbly. The only thing growing are bind weed roots to about a spade's depth.
I've read that manuring can only be done in autumn/winter in preparation for spring planting. Is there any reason not to manure now or will I have to wait and put off growing legumes and brassicas until next year? What's the best way to improve the soil structure and fertility now?
ANy suggestions/advice please?
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