improving soil on neglected plot

[lindamoseley]

I have recently taken over a plot which has been left for two years. The soil is very poor but i am unsure of the best way to improve it. Was planning on trying horse manure and green manure, are these good options? Can they be used together with horse manure being dug in and then green manure planted or just used alone. I know some plants don't like just manured soil so should i also consider what i am planting or just concentrate on improving the soil as its so poor.

Sorry to ask so many questions but this subject can get very confusing

thank you
Linda x

[Alison]

When you say poor what do you mean, is it very sandy? Do you think it's low in nutrients and if so, which ones? Also, what do you want to grow? The answer to these (and similar) questions will help sort things for you. Both animal and green manures can be very good but it does depend on your problems etc. Also, I find that you can pretty much never give your plot enough well made garden compost so I'd advise getting a good set of compost bins so that you can keep up with demand

[rustylady]

More or less what Alison said really - what is wrong with your soil? You say it's poor, but is it sandy, clay, stony or what?

And whereabouts are you? If you add your location (nearest town) to your profile it will show on your posts - helps no end when giving advice.

[Vince G]

Personally I would chuck as much compost and manure in it as possible. Green manure is fine too, just sown a load of clover and fenugreek where I've finished pulling peas from in fact, which I'll dig in during the winter sometime.

Just don't grow carrots or parsnips next year on the bits you manure, causes the roots to fork. Some people avoid onions and garlic on recently manured land, but not had any probs myself.

[Two_Sheds]

a plot which has been left for two years. The soil is very poor

How do you mean, poor? If it's been left fallow for 2 years it should be good. What weeds were growing?

[alldigging]

If it grows weeds then it's fine.

The type of weeds can tell you about the soil too.