Improving soil
By Pwb7446
United Kingdom 
I am laying out some gardden beds at the house of a young couple. The soil is clay - and badly prepared by the developers. It needs a lot of additives to break down the clay. What do you suggest.
31 Mar, 2009
Answers
Yep, I agree, you'll have to double dig with some grit and topsoil. Otherwise, hardly anything will grow. :-(
Commiserations......
31 Mar, 2009
If you have some topsoil at hand, sometimes available on the site if the building work isn't finished, mix with it very old broken bricks, very old plaster, grit. Add some Gypsum to the present ground which will break up clay, work in the above. I hope you will succeed in getting a finer tilth.
31 Mar, 2009
ofcourse they will doc got to be posative hope ya fealing better
31 Mar, 2009
Yes, getting there thanks Leigh, and when I can breathe properly I shall feel better still.
31 Mar, 2009
just think of summer doc.i use extra strong menthlyptas when i cant breath properly as i have asthma so colds go strate to my chest.there not that nice but good for breathing
31 Mar, 2009
Hi Pwb7446. I'm in the same position as you. I think i have done all I can for example, double dug to 3 spade depths. I still feel I need to use something to break down the soil [as it is still muddy] before putting on the top soil. If you get any information I would apreciate you passing it on to me. I've developed muscles with all the ho-ing. joani
1 Apr, 2009
get a rotavater shouldnt cost much for a day
1 Apr, 2009
perhaps just some good topsoil and some sand for drainage.i wouldnt fertalize it .rent a rotavater it will save you a long backbreaking job.develepers quite litteraly bury all there waste in the garden.discusting realy if you consider the price of a new house
31 Mar, 2009