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Old 24-03-2010, 06:24 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening
Bob Hobden Bob Hobden is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,056
Default Lightening clay soil for lavender: How?



"downholme" wrote

I have a narrow (15" wide and 8 foot long) bed immediately alongside the
front of a new conservatory, edged by paver path.

I want to put lavender in it. The soil level is fairly low so I can add
to it: I don't think the bed's ever been used by the prev. owner.

The soil seems OK- it isn't builder's rubble! But it seems a bit on the
heavy side as is a lot in the rest of the garden.

Do I dig out a foot, mix it with- what?- and return it?

Sand?
Grit?
Compost?

I have been given 12 small lavendar plants so though I understand the
'plant something else' concept, I want to exhaust the lavender
possibilities first!

For Lavender I trust the bed is in full sun.
Dig in sand/grit to aid drainage if the soil is clay. That said usually a
bed next to building tends to the dry side anyway.

--
Regards
Bob Hobden
W.of London. UK