I'm diving into soil enrichment for my garden and am curious about the best plants to grow for this purpose. I've been watching Huw Richards' videos, and he always raves about Comfrey as a top choice. Besides that, I'm looking for suggestions on other herbaceous perennials or crops that can help improve soil nutrients. Currently, I grow mustard as a cover crop and have a sunny spot with an apple tree and ox eye daisies for composting. I also grow peas to fix nitrogen in the soil. I'm situated on clay soil in the UK, which apparently has a lot of underlying nutrients. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
4 Answers
For nitrogen fixing, red and white clover are fantastic options! I also like to find nettles nearby; they make a great compost or fertilizer tea. It really boosts nutrient availability in the garden!
Winter rye works wonders for clay soils. It's super hardy and helps improve the texture of your soil over time, so definitely a good option if you're looking to enhance your garden's nutrients in the long run!
Since you're dealing with heavy clay soil, consider adding plants with deep roots to help break it up for better drainage. Also, think about raising your bed a bit and mixing in leaves and organic materials to improve soil structure and prevent issues with waterlogging in winter. It's a great way to enhance your soil's richness without needing to completely overhaul it!
Have you thought about growing hemp? It’s great for soil and could be a game-changer for your gardening plans—though I guess it might face some legality issues soon! It's worth considering if you have the chance.
Absolutely! I've heard Daikon radish is perfect for breaking up clay too. Just sow them and let them decompose over winter, it really helps enrich the soil.