Question
Hi, I've just moved to the Orkney Islands north of Scotland and I have a HUGE garden. All around me are farms and vegetable gardens and I want to grow veg. Never done it before but I think (through friends and internet)I know the basics.
The problem is the soil. The first 2 inches are ok then clay and stones. The clay is like plasticine in your hands. I've rotivated and it's just gone back to the way it was. How do I get the soil to a condition I can grow root veg?

Thanks

Answer
Hi, Tilling and incorporating organic matter like composted grass, leaves, bark and manure and maybe a little sand, is the best way to improve soil. I don't know what you have available locally, but ask your neighbors what they used since you said there are gardens near you.
Each year you can till under your garden to add more organic matter and you can rake the rocks from the surface after each tilling.  Jim