How to Test Drainage

Soil drainage is important to the health of the plants grown in the landscape. Water draining too fast can cause plants to wilt and possibly die, while too much water will block the roots of plants from getting oxygen. Sandy soil often drains fast, leaving plants without water and clay soil may drain slowly or not at all. Knowing how fast the soil drains before planting flowers, trees or shrubs gives you a chance to amend the soil or adjust planting methods so the plants will thrive.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Dig a hole in soil that's not too wet or too dry to a depth of 1 foot and as wide as a 5-gallon bucket. Fill the hole with water.

2. Fill the hole with water again after the water has drained completely.

3. Check the amount of water, if any, in the hole after 24 hours or check the drainage at intervals during the 24-hour period.

Tips & Warnings

• A hole that drains in three to four hours is good draining soil. Moderate drainage is between five and 12 hours later. Anything over 12 hours is poor drainage.

• Do not test drainage in a low-lying area where water collects and pools after rains.

References

• NC State University Extension: Planting Trees and Shrubs in Clay Soils
• Arizona Cooperative Extension: Principle Surface Soil Classes

Resources

• Ohio State University Extension; Improving Soils for Vegetable Gardening; Marianne Riofrio, et al.