So, after the construction, our plot was a compacted, clayey sandy wasteland full of construction debris, full of weeds, lots of chamomile, a plant indicating acidic soil. After just one year of gardening, there are earthworms, the chamomile portion is under control, thistles almost eradicated. But it doesn't work entirely without machines. After the construction crew left, a landscaper first leveled the terrain topographically. A mini excavator, which is lighter and doesn’t compact as much as large equipment. Then we ordered topsoil, he distributed the local one, and from a fresh construction pit next door, which had too much, he added some. Now we had bare earth leveled. It was autumn. We planted some shrubs, a hedge of hornbeam, some herbs in planting pots. Nothing more. Lawn only in spring following the method already mentioned elsewhere. Part of the clay is very near the surface and also came up through hoeing; working in some sand works wonders. The soil fauna recovers quickly. Worms are there. The soil is still too acidic, but in September it will get a load of dolomitic lime, then we have that under control too. K.
