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I'm as keen on improving my soil with manure as any other allotmenteer. I love it all - chicken, cow and best of all, horse manure. A good dollop of well-rotted manure does wonders for your soil, enriching it with nitrogen, phosphates and potassium

At this time of year, gardeners and plot holders take advantage of any dry, sunny weather to improve the soil and get their beds ready for planting. My neighbours on the allotment have been doing just that - everywhere I look there are freshly

.So this week I'm improving my soil with home-made compost. This seems a good use of my time as I can stop instantly and pack up as soon as a passing shower turns into steady rain (I'm not a wuss really - I get wet enough at work but I get paid for those

take a bit of care and consideration; I usually plan to grow my roots in a bed that hasn't been composted for a couple of years, to ensure the soil is not too rich and nutrient-heavy for them.The ideal time for improving soil is said to be the autumn

is okay cubed and roasted with cumin and a few other spices. Any further suggestions welcome!The problem improved once I started growing the coloured varieties like 'Gold Rush' and 'Jemmer', which are easily spotted among the leaves. But the truth

and an assortment of autumn leaves, added at this time of year because the leaf mould heap is overflowing. It's all put together in the recommended 20cm-or-so layers and big bits are made smaller with secateurs as we go. All text book stuff.On the plot it's all a

to them to improve the compost.I'm considering collecting all my tea bags and vegetable peelings at home to put on the heap - I could easily add a fetching little compost crock to my Christmas list! And what about all the neighbours' compostable waste

mulches and organic matter. Returning nutrients to the soil is vital for healthy plant growth and decent yields, improving soil structure and moisture retention. If in doubt, stick to home-made garden compost, leaf mould or composted green waste from