“A garden is only as good as its soil.” Clay soil will evoke frustration into the most enthusiastic of gardeners however, with a lot of love, care and commitment, it can actually be extremely productive. Most gardeners will be familiar with its traits and the recommendation of incorporating sharp sand (not builder’s sand) and organic matter to improve aeration and drainage but there is a bit more to it than that. With clay conditions, the structure of the subsoil is as important as the structure of the topsoil. If you remedy the topsoil without rectifying the sub soil (where necessary) you will get water-logging at that lower level which will cause further problems. Heavy compacted subsoil will need drainage measures implemented, tedious but essential. The structure and friability (crumbli-ness; think of Cadbury’s Flake) of the topsoil is largely determined by levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and hydrogen. This is known as the Cation Balance. The presence or lack of these elements can be revealed by professional soil analysis and is crucial to addressing soil problems of any sort, not just clay. Invest in a Test - Basic soil testing kits to determine the ph of your soil, can be obtained from most garden centres, however I always recommend a professional soil analysis to be carried out especially if you are growing your own veg. You can choose from several services at www.mrscrow.com and also buy products to remedy the results from there, (or call 01952 550050). Each soil sample tested will cost £47.00 but consider it an investment. It doesn’t matter how much work you put in above the ground, if the soil isn’t happy then you’ll never get a healthy, happy crop.
Taken from Lynne Allbutt's Green Scene column in Western Mail, (Media Wales) 30.01.2010
