Very Quick Draining, But Poor Nutrient Dry Soil....How to Improve???

Thank you Pushkin, that is very helpful indeed!!

 

I've got a Sambucus Nigra too.

It was only small when I put it in about 5 years ago.
Not so small now though.
Definitely loves sandy soil.

 

Dont forget to add compost, etc to the soil mix when you plant it Sally
Its a plant you can keep small too if you want by pruning every year

 

Wow, that's amazing for only 5 years Pushkin!! How big was it when you planted it???!

 

Will do Verdun.

Yes I know you can prune it back quite hard, which is good.

 

'Cheap nappies'???!!

 

Makes sense to me, great idea! I will try this, thank you!

 

I would say about 2 foot high.

 

Rip 'em open and use the gel crystals. I would go for a mix of localised improvement and planting suitable plants. Where in the country are you?

 

You have a large garden so need lots of organic matter. I don’t know where you live but I would try to find someone who can deliver you a trailer load of manure. It’s much cheaper bought by the load. Well rotted horse manure is generally best but cow is also very good.

 

I agree with Redwing but order the manure for autumn. Or mushroom compost. Whatever you use apply as much as you can.....better to put it in and on the ground thickly in limited areas rather than spread it thinly over larger area

 

I would not use that gel, horticulturalists have discovered that the gels, manufactured as polymers, are biodegradable. They are not a long-term solution to water management. Their breakdown can release potentially damaging by-products into your soil.

 

Stopped using water gel a few years ago. Not convinced it does any good at all

 

Ditto.
That said, I have just rooted a Passiflora cutting in it. Not what I expected but it was a tip that someone gave me when I said that I couldn't get them to strike.