New no dig on sub soil

[Roscop]

Hi,

I have a site in my garden thats ideal for a polytunnel, which I hope to erect in the spring.
Its currently a lawn, which was seeded earlier in the year (March/April). The soil is mainly clay based sub soil after machine diggers flattened the previous lawn out to one level, after being a being on many levels and uneven with slopes etc just over a year ago.

The previous lawn had been a relatively fertile garden years ago I’m told, but now I’m concerned that its now subsoil at the surface. The grass has grown ok though, with one or two bare patches.

I’m wondering what to do when preparing the beds. I’d like to lay cardboard, then compost mulch a few inches and plant up next spring. Although this subsoil issue has me wondering if I need to do anything differently? Source top soil, or more inches of compost perhaps?

Any advice appreciated.

I did save some topsoil from former lawn to add to new raised beds, which I’m no digging. Great results this year. Never seen such big carrots and parsnips. Excellent results with my lettuce, kale, onions, beetroot and outdoor tomatoes also. This success has made me eager to get growing under cover too. Hence the change of plan with the new lawn. So thank you Charles for your help thus far, look forwards to many more great harvests.

Rosco

[charles]

Nice to hear of your progress Rosco.
The subsoil will improve under compost mulch. I would not use extra soil, maybe some extra compost.

[Author]

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