[Jamboian]

Hi all! We have finally finished digging our plot and all is well, apart from the end of one large bed which has a lot of clay in, I don't have the time or resources at the moment to improve the soil, just wondering what, if anything, i could grow in this spot this year. Was thinking maybe swede. Any advice appreciated. Be of good cheer, Ian

[peapod]

Quick crops like lettuce, radish, turnips, beetroot etc will be ok.  Make sure they are well watered. 

[Trillium]

Potatoes will also do well, as will chatenay carrots, the kind that are arrow-shaped which were bred for heavier soils.

If you can sort the planting hole a bit, outdoor tomatoes will also grow. And chard isn't fussy at all where it grows.

[beth123]

I read that french beans grow in clay soil along with brocoli so im giving it ago.

[sion01]

I agree with Trillium.Planting potatoes will help break up the clay.

[Trillium]

Definitely french beans will grow as I had them in my previous garden which was truly wretched clay. Not sure how broccoli will fare but no harm trying. Sweet peppers did terrible so I wouldn't recommend them in clay.

[peapod]

I agree with Trillium.Planting potatoes will help break up the clay.

Especially if you add well rotted manure at the time of planting

[Jamboian]

Thanks everyone! will decide tomorrow, too knackered after all that digging, Ta! Ian.

[Ice]

Jambo, Ian.  Spuds are the obvious choice but how little soil prep are you going to do?

[potatogrower]

got good strong soil there. I tried to grow spuds in clay soil but it would depend how clayish it is. mine didn't grow much, nor did carrots, its good at holding nutrients and must be good to compress. so try brussel sprouts, sweet corn, peas, courgettes. i found these excelled in clay soil very well. throw handful of growmore or groworganic fertilizer onto the soil and just give it a gentle mix before planting. given time i would personally work the clay soil with manure and sand to improve its texture.

[GreenOwl]

Anything!  All my plot is clay-ish. 

Clay is good, obviously loam is better, but clay retains nutrients and water although if it gets too dry it can turn to rock.