[ptarmigan]

Hi

My plot is on clay soil, tends towards waterlogging, and is rather exposed on relatively high ground. I tried some overwintering crops last year, with cloches, windbreaks round beds etc, but nothing much survived, and also it is difficult to get up there during the winter as I work full time and if the weather is bad at the weekend it can be weeks in between visits.   

So I'm probably going just leave the plot over the winter and not try to grow anything - apart from PSB which did well last year, and maybe some broad beans.

So what tips do you all have for putting the plot into hibernation so it wakes up ready to go in the early spring time? 

[SG6]

Sounds a good time to simply put manure, leaves, used compost and anything else on it. Some will rot down some the worms will drag down.

Never liked the idea of green compost, seems strange to sow a weed then spend the effort of digging it in.

Possibly chuck some fine gravel on as well to help drainage and to break up the clay.

[Rampant_Weasel]

rough dig it and add well rotted manure where the potatoes go, thats about it really.
frost is an excellent clay breaker 

[AlexW]

I also work full time and have to rely on the weekend weather to be good in the winter, so time can be limited on the plot.

Last year I covered two thirds of the plot in weed suppressant membrane to keep on top of it. This worked well in the spring as I was able to pull a strip back at a time and just dig over as required for planting.

I am in two minds this year as whilst covering the plot keeps the weeds at bay, is leaving the soil open to the elements better for the condition of it i.e. will frost kill of pests and dieses.

As the plot is now pretty much weed free should I cover or let it breath?

[Yorkie]

Let it breathe 

[gremlin]

I cant face digging my plot in Autumn as well as Spring = double the effort !

I pull out all gone-over plants for the compost bin then scatter green manure seeds, mostly mustard but am trying winter beans this year.  Will spread manure,  but not dig it in.  I need all the organic matter I can get as my soil is so thin.  Scatter wood ash from the winter log fires.

Will also take top netting off the fruit cage in case of snow.

Then open a bottle of brandy and a pile of seed catalogues in front of the fire and hibernate until next spring. Cheers.

[allot2learn]

I am in the process of clearing my plot and then digging it. I'll leave it rough and apply manure where it's need. In spring I will rotavate it and then lime where necessary.

It only needs digging once.

[MichelleC]

Clear it, compost it, throw manure at it then leave alone till spring when the digging commences. X