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be fascinating to monitor how long the soil could be left without affecting yields of crops such as tomatoes.Meanwhile, I think I’ll just replace the top 20cm (8in), which will hopefully be sufficient for the tomatoes I'm about to plant...

from year to year; it is not an exact science, but it is 15cm or so tall and about 20cm or more wide at the base. The result of that tiny bit of extra effort in autumn is an early crop of gorgeously succulent garlic, with bulbs that have shown little

Soil with a pH above 7 that produces a blue reaction when in contact with universal indicator solution (see pH). Alkaline soils are suitable for growing a wide range of plants, with the exception of those that are ericaceous or calcifuge (lime-hating).

A soil that has a high activity of hydrogen ions, which gives the soil a pH value below 7 and produces a yellow, orange or red reaction when in contact with universal indicator solution (see pH). Acid soils are suitable for growing ericaceous

-blasted, rain-lashed hill, albeit without any Heathcliff. I’m desperate to keep toasty but I can’t dig anything as the soil is too wet.I’m very lucky – my plot has a lovely, rich soil, well dug and manured by many a plot holder before me. But, like much

-rotted manureFertiliserOctober - March10 minutes per square metreDig the soil thoroughly, breaking up large clods or lumps to relieve compaction. It is best to use a spade for soil that has never been dug. Previously cultivated soil can be forked through

as well do a bit of forward planning of my crop rotations and get the relevant beds prepared.I'm really lucky with my soil - it's a rich brown loam, well-manured in decades past, with a tendency towards the stickiness of clay when wet. It's also a bit

Learn how to improve the condition of your soil by sowing rye seeds to create green manure, with Monty Don's video demonstration and advice.summer and autumnMore advice on improving soilHow to mulch beds and bordersFeeding plantsImproving soil

Soil typesYour soil type - sandy, loam or clay - determines which plant species you can grow. Knowing your soil type enables to you to choose the plants best suited to your garden. Soil type is identified the presence of clay, sand and silt

wheelbarrow so you can quickly work your way through a pile of compost directly from the heap.8m of 25mm x 50mm treated timberWood stainWire mesh sheet with 1cm holes12mm x 40mm wood screwsTape measureSawSandpaperPliersScrewdriverall year round2 hours