Q.What’s Causing Poor And Patchy Germination In My Vegetable Plot?
My vegetable plot is south-facing, sheltered and my soil is clay. I have spent four years improving the soil by adding spent compost, manure and breaking up remaining clumps of clay. It is now a good tilth but very dry. I have installed a seeping hose watering system to correct this. I have used a soil test kit which shows the soil is quite alkaline with medium readings for nutrients. I can’t see any obvious soil pests but germination of seeds is often poor with several areas with no germination. I buy new seed each year and carefully follow planting instructions. Can you identify what the problem is and give advice on how to improve things.

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Alkaline soil will be a problem. It needs to be neutral to slightly acidic. Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/raise-acid-level-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/ericaceous-compost-info.htm