"jo" wrote in message news:8WH9a.10431$Vx2.800013@wards...
I have a bare garden at the moment (recently re-landscaped) and I will need
to begin planting soon. The soil appears to be 'clayey' and having done a
few tests it also appears pretty alkaline. Should I be digging in some sort
of compost to give it a bit of oomph before I even consider planting?

Jo

Jo..I am a recently retired jobbing gardener, and I used to pay to get
rid of perfectly compostable material.Do a deal with a local.
Control what he gives you, but even lots of grass cuttings
go down with a small sprinkling of earth.,in the layers.
happy gardening..Ken