[compostqueen]

I won't be winter digging, or digging any time for that matter    I don't rotovate or use a tiller etc either.  My soil seems fine without 

[sunshineband]

I can vouch for silt setting solid if you let it 

[lancashiregardeninggal]

I think a lot depends on the weather - I couldn't hope to turn over my veg patch at the moment because it is sodden - rained constantly for the last week.

Mine is clay and I find it is best dug just before or during winter - weather permitting - however, I have dug over successfully in February with still time for frost to break down the clay.

With having added a lot to improve the soil over the years - it is now like a raised bed - I could get away with no digging I guess but I have never wanted to chance it.

[rowlandwells]

I've tried both ways autumn and spring digging i have to say autumn is my first choice
i usually like to get all the Lottie ploughed before Christmas i also find if i plough the ground and leave the ground proud it breaks down come the spring the ground seems to cultivate to a more finer tilth

i to have quite heavy ground that's a job to cultivate if spring ploughed it seems most favour autumn digging

on the farm i worked on the boss always wanted all the ground ploughed before Christmas especially the new potato ground so I've always followed his advise never failed me yet

[Plot 6B]

Thank you for all your replies. As I have a Clay based soil, I will leave the soil in large clods and cover with manure and let the winter weather do the hard work for me!

[compostqueen]

I wonder about this big clods lark. You made the big clods in the first place and then you have to wait to have them broken down..  Could you try not making big clods and then not having to break them up.   You could do both and then see what transpires