[Mz_G]

What a little fountain of info this site has proved already! I moved house about a year ago and for the first time i have a proper garden. Looking forward to learning how to look after it! Ive built a veggie patch for next year, currently composting in it as the soil is clay. Any tips on further preparation much appreciated

[Greengage]

welcome to our little community, we love a challenge here.

[Sive]

Welcome Mz G, I hope you get lots of inspiration from the motley crew here !

[kindredspirit]

[Mz_G]

Thanks Kindredspirit i'll see if there are any farms around here, still getting to know the area.

So far ive thrown in shop bought compost, then buried bio bags with fruit n veg waste, grass clippings, a layer of wood chip and shredded cardboard. Its very hard to dig it in though, the soil is like cement any deeper than one, er, shovel you know?

Thanks for the welcome folks!

[Good guy]

Hello MzG. Welcome to the wonderful world of gardening!
It's great to see your new raised bed and to hear about your progress so far.
It is important to break up any compacted soil before you start trying to grow anything. It sounds as though your ground is pretty hard - as it may also contain loads of builders' rubble, which will need to be removed, maybe you should borrow a pick axe or mattock to help break it up. It will be very hard work but the area is not very big and the pick will loosen everything and save you from breaking spades or forks (I've broken a few in my time!)
After that, it shouldn't be too hard to dig your organic matter into the soil over the winter and then you'll be raring to grow.
Keep us posted.

[tagwex]

Welcome along. You could try watering that patch before you want to turn it over as it should make it easier for you. Horse dung in the autumn - you wont regret it!