Clay soil and raised beds

aylithuk

Sorry guys. More help if possible! 

So all my patios areas are done but given we were working in rain and my lawn was already waterlogged, I’ve lost pretty much all my grass. 

I am not going to relawn (yet!) my 10x3m patch as this will be given over to 6 raised beds for vegetables growing. 

I need to improve my clay patch for my long term growing plans. At the moment, the ground is water logged and boggy right now. I’ve aerated it already with a fork and  I’ll let it dry out this week coming

I am conscious I cannot step on it really for quite a long time but need to get to my beds so...

1, should I just put down some planks of wood to get access to my beds or something else? 

2, to improve the soil I was thinking of digging in fine bark and compost but alternative could I lay down cardboard and just mulch on top? 

Thanks as always 

[Deleted User]

I think either idea would work in the short term.

Davesnave

Don't put anything like woodchip on soil because it will steal nitrogen from the soil in the process of rotting down. If your bark is already composted that's fine, but if it's just chips of fresh bark, it isn't.

aylithuk

Thanks guys.