Seeking Advice on the Right Subsoil for My London Garden

[ronald_1978]

Hi all,

I'm doing a gardening project in my London home and really need some advice regarding the best choice of subsoil. Here's a quick rundown:

 

I've dug a trench about 60 cm deep and 30 cm wide, totalling approximately 30 meters around the garden's perimeter to lay an electric cable for outdoor lighting. The existing subsoil was clay-based, so I disposed of it, thinking it might be best to bring in a new, better-quality subsoil instead of trying to amend the clay.

 

The dilemma arose when I approached a few companies to purchase the new subsoil. While I initially believed that the British Standard (BS8601:2013) would be the obvious first choice, I wasn't aware that getting hold of such soil is literally impossible as they all offer a free-draining alternative which is out of the BS spec due to larger sand content.

 

It happens that my neighbour is now digging foundations and has plenty of clay soil, which I can take.

 

So now I'm at a crossroads: Should I purchase free drainage subsoil (outside of the BS), or should I use the clay from my neighbour to fill the trench??

 

I'd greatly appreciate any insights or experiences anyone could share to help me make the best decision for my garden and achieve my ultimate goal of adding topsoil and laying fresh turf. Thanks in advance!

Ron

[Mr Punter]

Larger sand content will help it drain, as long as it doesn't form a sump you will be OK.

 

Backfilling with clay is tricky as it does not always want to compact nicely.

 

You could end up with a 30cm strip of bowling green lawn!