Gardeners' Question Time Claygate Surrey
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Aug 29, 2025 In a delightful discussion, horticultural experts Bob Flowerdew, a fruit and veg guru, Pippa Greenwood, a plant pathologist, and garden designer Juliet Sargeant unravel the secrets of gardening on clay soil. They tackle pressing questions like eradicating pesky fungus gnats and the best practices for watering during droughts. The panel shares personal stories about cultivating delicious homegrown produce and the benefits of south-facing gardens, all while addressing how to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
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Cultivate Clay With A Fork
- Use a fork, not a spade, when cultivating heavy clay to avoid smearing and compaction.
- Avoid walking on wet clay and stand on boards or use stepping stones to reduce compaction.
Making Pots From Garden Clay
- Pippa described making little pots from her highly clay soil after moving to a new home.
- She preferred clay to her previous very light sandy soil and found it transformative.
Improve Clay With Organic Matter
- Add lots of organic matter (compost, manure, leaf mould) regularly to improve clay soil structure.
- If adding grit, mix 30–50% grit into clay or use raised/mounded planting to avoid waterlogging.