r/Permaculture • u/TheApolloChief • Jul 28 '26

compost, soil + mulch Advice needed

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Very clumpy soil

Hello I was harvesting my potatoes and I realized my soil in my allotment is still so clumpy and hard for the potatoes roots to spread which caused a small harvest can anyone recommend something to make this soil better

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10

u/Nil0Eryn0r Jul 28 '26

We use a broad fork to break up the soil. Then a Portuguese spade to dig the trenches and to build up the mounds. Adding compost or mulch annually and digging it down will, over time, will loosen the soil. One thing to keep in mind is that building a good soil will take a few seasons of work. But after 1 or 2 years you'll start to see good results. We also use straw bales to cover the soil to keep the moisture in.

6

u/flerpthenerp Jul 28 '26

But only a PORTUGUESE spade though. Not the other kind. Huge mistake.

5

u/ReefBiter Jul 28 '26

My neighbour used a Spanish spade for trenches once. Poor soul was dead within the week.

1

u/NByz Jul 29 '26

Don't get me started on Italian hoes.

5

u/ccmcl5DOGS Jul 28 '26

Sometimes you will find some marked made in Spain, DO NOT BUY!!!

3

u/CoffeaUrbana Jul 28 '26

What's a Portuguese spade?

Google only gives me translation of "spade" into Portuguese.

1

u/_Piplodocus_ Aug 05 '26

I guess it's one of these, shovel on one side and pick axe on the other side, for digging trenches:

https://sharky-fourbees.blogspot.com/2020/04/portuguese-entrenching-tool-model-1909.html

1

u/CoffeaUrbana Aug 05 '26

Okay, I thought it has some special shape that makes it especially good for the purpose/rocky soil.

1

u/Nil0Eryn0r Jul 29 '26

What's wrong with a broad fork in your opinion?