READER’S QUESTION

HELP! Last winter we moved into a new garden where the soil seemed to be fine. But after weeks without significant rain, the ground has hardened and large cracks have appeared. How can we prevent this happening again? T. Walker, Suffolk.

SOILS which contain clay or silt often contract as they lose moisture. The resulting cracks hasten water loss, worsening the effect of the drought.

Reduce cracking by upping the soil’s organic content. Humus-rich soils drain more efficiently but also take longer to dry out — a paradox but it’s true.

Bump up humus levels by working home-made (or purchased) compost into the ground.

if you can gently dig the first lot into the ground soon, that will help. if not, wait for rain and then lay the compost as a mulch.