When we water now it just disperses over the surface really fast, so I have to do repeated passes over the same plants to be even slightly confident water is actually penetrating to the roots. Have also never seen a single worm, so I'm guessing I need to break the soil up a bit?
I'm a fan of no-dig (or I'm lazy) so subscribe to 'feed the soil'. If you build it, worms will come...
The worms will have gone down very deep because it's so dry. When the ground softens up (if it ever rains) it will sort them out.
oh not a lost cause then? Would you compost and mulch or something else?
I honestly don't know. I'm very poor at feeding my garden and don't really know the difference. I don't think you can go wrong with compost but not sure it's quite the right time for a mulch.
I do realise this is more than one question.
Do you know if it’s clay or sandy soil?
I think sandy but will check
I have clay but the top layer is now nice and crumbly because of years of leaf mould from settled leaves
I’m no expert but it might be a case of digging it up and getting some decent compost in there to feed the roots of whatever you’ve got planted. Sounds like drought resistant plants would be worth investing in, or even some ornamental grasses, which can be great.
Definitely drought resistant plants for the south. And mulch around the plants will help retain the moisture for them.
Yes, need to investigate realistic planting!
If the climate continues like this then you need to look to a Mediterranean style of planting.
Compost will help feed the plants - and i imagine help the structure. Supporters of the no dig method say digging is bad for soil and worms, and instead layer cardboard, plant cuttings, compost etc topsoil on top and plant into a raised bed of sorts.
This is so helpful. Thank you, will talk to landlords about it.
Glad you said this I wouldn't want you putting a lot of effort only for the Landlord to complain.
Oh I rent the basement of their house, so we both enjoy the garden. Especially me as I can see it from my bed, where I spend far too much time!
I’m no expert but if you gave trees in the garden, I would start by letting the leaves settle on the bare earth which will rot to leaf mould and help the soil structure. Going forward you can collect leaves to make leaf mould (if you plan on staying there).