Turf on soggy ground - Preparing the soil ...

[Ian-Mitch]

Hi -

I'm hoping to turf next weekend (area about 60 foot wide by 30 foot deep), and whilst generally firm the ground is soggy underfoot in places and boggy in a couple of spots.

I'm wondering what the best approach is:

a) Just turf - it will sort itself out, and top dress later on to address any odd lumps and bumps

b) Put a roller on it first - and rake some (dry) topsoil over the top to get it level. (I've plenty of spare good quality top soil)

c) Leave it a few more weeks until the ground is fully dried out


I've put so much effort into the garden so far I don't want to get it wrong now- any advice?

thanks as ever - Ian

[Tony McC]

I'd use grit sand to regulate the sub-layer, raking it in to the earth to create a level, but free-draining and relatively dry substrate.

This assumes that the groiund isn't frozen or under half-a-metre of snow next weekend, of course!

[Ian-Mitch]

Thanks Tony: grit sand = sharp sand, right? I'll do that then - I hope it's not snowing, I've gone and ordered everything now!

thx, Ian

[Tony McC]

Yep: grit sand = sharp sand = concreting sand, all depending on where you live.