Soil Drainage Solutions

Proper soil drainage is a key element of successful gardening. Inadequate drainage or waterlogged conditions result in a variety of gardening problems, such as pests and disease. Testing your soil before planting determines your soil's drainage requirements.

Amendments

Adding organic matter to your soil improves soil drainage. Organic matter is a versatile amendment, since it improves drainage in both sandy and clay soils. Examples of organic matter include compost, manure and peat moss. For heavy clay soils, the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center recommends mixing organic matter with sand or gypsum.

Techniques

For heavy clay soils with inadequate drainage, consider installing a French drain. A French drain is a gravel trench that provides an outlet for water than may pool below the soil surface. Raised beds may also be helpful, since they raise the soil level above the poorly drained site. For sandy soils that drain too quickly, use a sunken bed, which retains more water for plant roots.

Best Practices

Diligent watering practices reduce soil drainage problems. Familiarize yourself with the particular watering needs of all the plants in your garden. Check plants frequently for signs of overwatering or drought. Water plants in the morning after dew has evaporated and avoid watering at night, as cool, moist soils are ideal conditions for many pests and diseases.

References

• Louisiana State University Agricultural Center: Soil Amendments
• Cornell University Department of Horticulture: Using Organic Matter in the Garden
• Utah State University Extension: Soil Drainage