[erainn]

We have just been offered an allottment plot in West Sussex, the Association chap informs us that there is a feet or so of decent soil, beyond that is clay; which he says some 'double dig' every couple of years. Is such a depth common? Would it prove limiting in terms of growing certain types of vegetables?

Right now we are new to growing veg, but wondered, as a starter, what would be good to improve the soil, which has a few flint stones mixed in, and is grassed over in parts. Any advice most welcome.

[VirginVegGrower]

One year old leafmould is great for aerating clay soil

[Yorkie]

12" isn't too bad, though more would be better.

Add as much organic matter as you possibly can.  Manure, compost, leaf mould, etc.  This will improve the texture of the soil and also raise the level of it over time.

Be aware that if you have real drainage problems, the clay layer below the soil may be a contributory factor - hence the suggestion to double dig occasionally to break that layer up.  Just don't bring the subsoil layer (usually a different colour clay and very obvious) into the normal soil as it will not improve with treatment.

The other thing you could consider doing is to raise the height / depth of your beds by taking some soil from paths and putting it onto the beds area.

[Christine]

Don't rush is the first step. To build up your soil to a really nice standard will take a few years. You will get good crops from the start as clay is fertile but things will improve as you go on.

Build yourself a compost bin or three is the next step. Then learn how to compost. If you can't make enough of your own, make friends with people who have gardens and want to get rid of grass, weeds, leaves. Make friends with people who are doing house renovations and collect cardboard. Look round your house for natural fibres to compost as things get old.

When you collect manure, make sure you know its provence as we say being posh down the gardeners association hut. Some of our members had this problem last year despite the fuss having died down over the chemicals involved. Just make sure you either get old, well rotted manure or leave it to rot down for a year. I know that isn't helpful advice for the instant now but it will save you a lot of heartache over time.

Plant green manures in bits that you aren't going to use this year or which will be free over winter.

Talk to the other allotment holders to see what grows well on the site. But whatever you do - take your time over things. Patience is a marvellous improver of allotments.

[erainn]

Thank you very much for all your kind and helpful advice, shall certainly be putting into action your suggestions