What to do with heavy clay spoil?

Hello everyone,

I am a beginner gardener trying to tackle a large and neglected garden and have just joined this forum. I have no excuse such as 'just moved here' - it's actually been my garden for years but I took no notice of it and did nothing with it. Now I only do a little part-time work so have much more time, and I've been bitten by the bug and am trying to create something lovely.

I'm looking forward to finding answers to all those questions that keep coming to mind while I'm digging - and here's my first:

What is the easiest and cheapest way to get rid of the spoil created while digging a pond? It is horrible heavy clay subsoil and useless for anything. Is a skip the only answer or is there a cheaper way?

Regards,
Sue

 

Hi Sue.
I used it to create height for a waterfall and rockery about 10 ft away from the pond then made a stream down into it. Even used some to create a "living"grass seat which the kids adopted as their own and enjoyed keeping it clipped.

 

hi sue, I had the same problem only I just got rid of mine slowly over time.
just remember to do the digging now before winter sets in and it becomes just a heavy sticky mess.
I wish I had thought of the living seat idea, it sounds great, any chance of a photo Paladin :D

 

Please!!don't go there :( I've got a camera,I've got the shots...but I haven't got a clue :confused:
The seat was made when the kids were small,the youngest is now 24!There is now a 10ft hazel tree growing on the spot.
Promise I will get help with the pic's :rolleyes:

 

Thanks, Paladin and Sam, for your comments. The pond is quite big, about 30ft x 15ft at least, so there is going to be masses of spoil. We have already filled up a big dip in a shrubbery (probably not a very good thing to do) and have run out of places to put it.

I completely underestimated the amount that we would be digging out, we are half way through and now need to dispose of it somewhere, but I wondered whether there was an alternative to hiring a skip. I think it's just wishful thinking - what I really want is for it to be spirited away somehow.

Regards,
Sue

 

1. skip
2. make a statue
3. make some pots
4. hoy it over the fence!

 

Over the fence - good idea, not nice neighbours. I think they might notice, though.

Sue

 

5. Watch the Shawshank Redemption or any one of several war films, cut small holes in trouser pockets, and deposit small amounts in the exercise yard each time you're allowed out

Seriously though - I was going to comment about underestimating the amount of spoil, because there's always a lot more than you think. Also, if you go down the skip route, it's worth noting that some companies that supply large 12 yard skips won't allow you to fill them with wet clay as it makes them too heavy for the lorry to lift - as I learned just a little bit too late last year :(