Plots vary siginificantly in their soil texture and the ease with which vegetables and fruits can be grown. This is often due to the skill and industry of previous plotholders. But, if unimproved, the native clay on the site – though rich in minerals – is hard to work when too wet or too dry. Looking after and improving this soil is the key to long term success. This can be done by introducing large quantities of organic matter into and onto the soil through composting and the use of green manures.

Composting

You should make compost from most of the green waste on your plot. You can supplement this with organic material from elsewhere, either delivered to the site (stable manure) or collected from nearby.

Ready made compost can also be purchased, either independently or as part of a consignment co-ordinated with other plotholders to reduce delivery costs. You will receive notification of this through the GLA MailChimp.

Guidance on composting from SLUG (South London Urban Gardeners) – here

Notes on hot composting demo 13/10/2019:

Green manuring

Green manures are crops grown to introduce organic matter or improve soil fertility. They are generally grown on beds that would otherwise be empty (often in the autumn/winter). A very good introduction to this can be found here, on a website that also sells the seeds.