Garden soil and coal

[vixylix]

We've been in our new house for 6 months and I've very belatedly had a thought. I am a MPC grower usually so I am useless with 'proper soil'

Our house is built over a coal seam (no idea how deep down it is) - the soil appears to be quite heavy, not fully clay but definitely heavy and clumpy.

My question is... will the coal seam affect the soil? Do I need to be careful of what I grow directly in the soil or what I add to it?

If it helps... there are several rose bushes which are growing immensely (one goes all the way over the roof of the house!) - I tried to research what soil suited roses and got loam - I definitely don't think its loamy!

Help?

[Thelma Sanders]

As the coal is not near the surface, I wouldn't think it would have any effect on the surface soil or plants grown in it.

Roses like clay, as well as loam, cos it is rich soil, just a bit difficult to work with. If you can dig it will respond well to deep cultivation, if not it will slowly improve with lots of surface mulches and the worms doing the work
Good luck!

[veggiechicken]

Much of sunshiny South Wales is built over coal seams. They're deep, coal won't pop up in your garden but if it did, you'd have no worries about heating!

[Bill Door]

Well it is a bit like Thelma and VC said. If it were me I would try everything I like and if it didn't work never mind lets try something else.

Taking the whole thing one step further I would not

1) have a barbecue less then three feet off the ground and certainly have a decent pan to collect the cooling ashes before they his the ground.

2) drop a lit match

3) smoke a "Churchill" cigar in the garden

Otherwise enjoy your garden. By the way home made compost, MPC and sand will help to improve the structure of the soil.

Bill

[vixylix]

Thanks all - just checking I'm not going to poison myself before I proceed

[The poly tunnel poet]

So what are your neighbours growing? Could they share any wisdom.

Perhaps a few chats could put to rest your worries

[vixylix]

My only advice from the neighbour is that his tomatoes always die - I'm hoping that's not blight!!

[Potstubsdustbins]

The coal seams around Leeds vary in depth from very deep to outcrops. Lots of infro on Google so you will be able to source the depth where you live.

However if you don't any Stigmaria when you dig your garden I suspect you will be alright.

[vixylix]

Good idea Potty, although made me realise that I live very close to 'Coal Hill Lane' - now its piqued my interest and I need to do some proper research!!