Can you do allotment work when it is wet?

Nice_Username

I've heard that digging is a bad idea in wet weather as the soil is very clumpy, but is it ok to do other general sowing etc when the ground is very damp? I wanted to go to my small plot this morning to plant a few more potatoes, some small fruit shrubs and some runner bean plants. It's brightening up here and the forecast is mostly dry today, it's just that we have had a lot of rain over the past 36 hours.

serena

All depends on ther soil type really.

I'd be careful of walking around too much on heavy clay soil - if it sticks so much to your boots that you're getting taller by the minute, then you're better off either working from a plank of wood, or going home!

I think the potatoes would be fine, although it may be difficult to rake back the soil if it's very wet. I'd go ahead with planting the shrubs unless the hole fills up with water while you're digging it. Just be careful not to firm the soil down too hard after planting - eg use the toe of your boot rather than full weight on the heel. Seed sowing may be more difficult, and slugs may get your runner beans - so I'll leave that one up to you!

Kay_Peel

I like to work in the rain although I won't dig the soil when it's wet and claggy. I continue to sow seeds, plant out, divide and do any construction when it's raining.

I carry a plank of wood around with me! On bare earth, I try to walk and stand on the plank rather than to stand directly on the soil.

Sally_A

I doubt it will be very wet below the surface as we have had a good spell of dry weather before this wet weekend. I garden on clay, so quite often, although it does stick to your boots, it makes it easier to break the clods up.

I've still got some spuds to get in, so I'd best get a wiggle on.

tim_n

I use the shed when it's wet. This weekend we were potting up and planting spuds. Very heavy clay here but I've improved the drainage sufficiently that even following the downpours, the soil was moist but not sodden. Mostly anyway.