Handling Chalk Soils

There are two big disadvantages with chalk soils. Firstly, they are thin, dry, and "hungry". This is because the particles are very large, like those in sandy soil, so water drains through rapidly, taking plant nutrients with it. Plant nutrients, in the form of organic fertilizers, will therefore need to be added to the soil. Secondly, perhaps even worse, chalk is a very alkaline soil, and so unsuitable for many plants.

Digging

Generally there is no need to worry too much about the timing of cultivations. Like sand, chalk soils are normally dry enough to work, even in the depths of winter. It is not necessary to leave a chalky soil rough during the winter months for the frost and rain to break down. Instead dig it in the spring a few weeks before sowing. Because the topsoil is usually not very deep, digging should be kept shallow and, if the area is fairly small, it could be worthwhile adding a layer of topsoil to the surface.

Drainage

Generally, drainage on chalk soil is too good and the need is to retain water and nutrients. This can be done by adding bulky organic matter that will also help to acidify the soil.

Organic Matter

On chalk, more than any other type of soil, it is important to try and keep the soil surface covered. Grow a crop of green manure during the winter and dig it in during the spring. During the growing season, it is even worth sowing a fastgrowing green-manure crop between vegetables, just to keep the soil covered.

Mulching, or spreading organic material on top of the soil between plants, is also important during the growing season. You should use acid materials, such as peat, grass cuttings, compost, or manure, in order to counteract the alkalinity of the soil.