Soil preparation

Whether your soil is light and sandy or heavy clay, digging in bulky organic matter - that is well-rotted manure, compost, leafmould, composted bark, mushroom compost, in fact, anything you can get in bulk - will help. In light soils it provides something to hold the moisture and nutrients; in clay soils it helps break up the large particles so the soil doesn't crack, drains better and is easier to work. Even good soils benefit from a dressing of organic matter.

Digging sharp sand into clay soil may improve the structure and make it easier to work, although on a very heavy clay soil, just stick to well-rotted organic matter, as adding sand can make the soil even harder.

The best time for soil preparation is in autumn for clay soils and spring for light, sandy soils. Autumn digging lets the soil be further broken down by frosts and rain. But do it whenever you can. Start by digging over the soil to a depth of 37.5-45cm (15-18in) and incorporating your organic material as you go.