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Mulch clay soil

MuddyGMuddyG Posts: 12
in Tools and techniques
Hi I'm new here and looking for some help.  I have a 4.2 by .5 metre bed which is unplanted and I would like to know if I should mulch this for the winter and if so what should I use and how is it added. Can I do it now.   Should I put a weed cover down first for example and add wood chips  on top?  The ground gets waterlogged so unsure if mulching would make it worse. It is going to be frosty next week (-3) should i do anything before then on wait until it frosts over?  It is to rain on Thursday so the ground will be very wet, what is the risk if this freezes?  Thank you
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  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,391
    edited December 2021
    If you have clay soil it will benefit from any/all organic matter you can add to it.  Now is a good time, as is just about any time.  I have gardened on clay soil for over 40 years.  In my experience manure is best, preferably horse as it is warm, but any will do.  Over the the years I've used cow, horse and chicken manure and all are good; as is my home compost and spent compost from pots or growbags....the more the better.
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • MuddyGMuddyG Posts: 12
    Thank you.  Do you just spread it on top and how thick?  Or do you have to dig it in? Can I use bought  compost this time as want to do it tomorrow.  
  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,391
    edited December 2021
    I used to dig it in but it's now too much work so these days I just add the mulch and let the worms do the work.  Both are good. The thicker the better IMO.
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • MuddyGMuddyG Posts: 12
    Thanks.  So bought would be OK then.  Will this protect the soil from frost too?
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,041
    frost helps break down clay, so you don't really want to " protect " the soil from frost

    Devon.
  • MuddyGMuddyG Posts: 12
    OK, thanks.  When it's wet (saturated) will that cause issues if it freezes? 
  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,391
    carolforbesbrown said:
    OK, thanks.  When it's wet (saturated) will that cause issues if it freezes? 
    No.
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,239
    I agree - rotted manure is the stuff to get - or even better if you can get it is composted bark which works really well to break up clay.
    Ordinary compost from garden centres or diy shops will not work - that stuff 
    is just for growing plants short term and contains nothing to help with your clay.
    Rotted farmyard manure or horse manure is what you're after.
    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • MuddyGMuddyG Posts: 12
    OK thank you.  You wouldn't recommend covering it with a permeable weed cloth and bark or gravel for the winter and get started in spring on amending the soil?
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,239
    No - dig it over very roughly so there are big clods of clay, put the manure on top and make a cup of tea as a reward for completing the job. The winter frosts will break up the clods of clay and the rain will wash the manure down the gaps for the worms to dig it in for you.  So by Spring it should be much improved.
    If you can get a layer 4-6" thick layer of manure on top that will make a big difference
    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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