What’s Causing Poor And Patchy Germination In My Vegetable Plot?

Question

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.

Answer 1

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