I would consider raised beds if I was you. I would build them about 2 ft high, digging over the soil below and incorporating organic matter and grit for drainage, then build your raised bed and add your topsoil and muck!

If your soil is frozen then wait for the ground to warm slightly and turn it over, leaving it in big clods/clumps wait until it freezes again and the ice will break down the clods for you. As Andrea says add plenty of organic matter/compost to it and grit for drainage then, if you intend to grow root veg, you could build up your depth of soil with a raised bed but if you only intend to grow surface veg you should be ok.

Good luck with it.

Ian.

I would just advise against importing topsoil (which can result in importing weeds and pests and the soil is not necessarily proper topsoil, just looks like it) and encourage you to try and improve the soil you have instead. Clay soils tend to be quite fertile, but are poorly drained and tend to dry out and crack in the summer. The way to get around this problem is simply to add loads of organic matter such as well rotted manure. These contain humic acid, which breaks clay down eventually. Good luck with it!

thanks to sid,Ian and andrea for answering my question trevor 131

You know Trevor, you'll find we always try to help each other out here on GoY! ;~))

if you stick to what Sid said you will have grate crops of what ever you plant.

About topsoil, I have purchased compost, horse manure and topsoil from my local authority. The compost and topsoil have never shown any signs of weed seeds at all. I get more weed seeds from the pre bagged stuff you can buy in B&Q or your local garden centre.
If you can rely on the organic matter and topsoil you can get from your local authority then this is cheap and well worth it.
This is an ongoing debate on this site, but it all depends on your own experience on this one I'm afraid. Mine happens to be positive.

Unfortunately Andrea, our local council charge the earth (no pun intended) for their compost and soil improver. £3.50 for 30 litres!

I can get about a tonne or a metre cubed for £38 - including delivery. I can't imagine how much that would be in comparison to the stuff you can pick up in bags at B&Q. I think the answer is to make your own!!

which council department can you get soil I:ve never heard of it

Ask at your local tip where people drop off their green waste, they might be able to help. Depending on where you live, you may have to phone the main number, explain your needs then they might be able to help