Double digging

Hi,

I was planning to starting double digging to deepen my topsoil (at least when the ground thaws out a bit..), but the joining advice from the council said not to dig down more than one spit as we have a chalk substrate. Im going to ask some of the other plot holders but what would you all advise?

Certainly talk to other plot holders - they have the local knowledge.

There is no need to mix the two levels. Dig the top spit and then go into the trench you form and dig it with a fork in situ mixing in any compost etc you can spare. Then dig your next top spit over onto it revealing a new trench and loosen sub layer in that etc. This loosens and aerates lowest layer but does not mix it in with the best top stuff. Roots that go deep plus worms etc will still appreciate the deeper albeit two layered soil structure.
R

Thanks for the help, Ill give that a try once the ground isnt as hard as the deck of a battleship!

It is possible to create a deeper level of topsoil, but it takes time.  I suggest that if you want to double dig (which is good idea) you go down to the chalk level (don't mix the top soil and sub soil), break up the chalk in situ, add a load of manure, then back fill it (again making sure to keep the strata's seperate).  Over time (I'm talking years) the depth will increase.  If it is very shallow, the only solution is raised beds.

Have you ever watched Victorian Kitchen Garden?  There is an episode where Peter Thorday compares the depth of topsoil inside and outside the walled garden.  Over a period of 100 years the topsoil was increased over 4 feet !!!  This proves it is possible, even if it takes a lifetime !!!

Salmo - looks as though your legitimate illegitimate term was censored - SS

Even got b****y political correctness gone mad on this site now!!!!

B as tard trenching is what it is called.