[al78]

The permaculture enthusiasts will know the answer to this. I'm curious to know that if you have a handful of weeds that seem to propagate vigorously on your plot, does that indicate something about the properties (good or bad) about your soil?

For example, my primary weeds are couch grass and creeping buttercup (the latter by far the worst). Secondary weeds are dandelions and bindweed. Is there anything I can deduce from this about the growing conditions, apart from the fact my soil is heavy clay?

[robinahood]

I think most of these indicate soil compaction,  I have all of the above except the buttercup which likes a wet soil  mine is very sandy and dry. Adding organic matter is usually said to be the way to help with this.

[Yorkie]

I think that docks indicate a slightly more acidic soil

[al78]

I think most of these indicate soil compaction,  I have all of the above except the buttercup which likes a wet soil  mine is very sandy and dry. Adding organic matter is usually said to be the way to help with this.

That makes sense, I looked up creeping buttercup and that likes wet soil. I have been periodically adding generous amounts of manure for the last few years (spreading over the surface like no dig), and the soil condition has improved, but how do I do anything about poor drainage if I want to lean towards minimal digging? Problem is the sub soil a foot down is pretty much pure clay.

[chillimummy]

I'm the same with clay soil and have terrible problem with creeping buttercup.
Started last year getting supply regularly of rabbit manure so good to hear that it can possibly help  soil over time.
Put cardboard down over it through the winter with rabbit manure/straw covering in thick layer and it's still grown through in places 

[al78]

I'm the same with clay soil and have terrible problem with creeping buttercup.
Started last year getting supply regularly of rabbit manure so good to hear that it can possibly help  soil over time.
Put cardboard down over it through the winter with rabbit manure/straw covering in thick layer and it's still grown through in places 

It must take an awful lot of rabbits to produce enough manure to cover even one allotment bed, unless you are feeding them laxatives.