Well-drained soil is a key factor in growing lush plants in your yard or garden. If the soil is poorly drained, rainwater or that from irrigation systems will collect on the surface of the soil. The roots of plants can become soaked in water or even freeze at colder temperatures, with the consequence that they will be damaged or the plants will not bloom. Use these methods to regulate soil that drains little.
Steps
Step 1. Mix organic matter into the soil before planting
When tilling the soil, use a gardening pitchfork or other appropriate tool to add lumpy or coarse organic matter to the soil surface. Sawdust, compost, sand or soil can work wonders.
Step 2. The addition of sand has very limited effectiveness if the clay is rather prevalent in a mixed soil of loam
The addition of gypsum (calcium sulphate) helps to aggregate clay particles together, allowing better drainage thanks to the formation of greater microporosity in the soil. Do a soil test and check the basic saturation of cations (Ca, Mg and K). A calcium (Ca) ratio of 3 parts to 1 part magnesium (Mg) is good for promoting porosity.
Step 3. Avoid plowing if possible
The porosity resulting from the presence of worms (large) can be very effective for the passage of water into the soil, but the tillage tends to break this porosity. It takes 4-5 years for this porosity to completely reform.
Step 4. Spread a top layer of soil in places where the soil is lower than the remaining surface level
This will also help level the soil and improve its drainage.
Step 5. Build a French drain to direct water away from plants or other points that collect water
- Dig a 45 cm trench.
- Put 7.5 to 10cm of gravel in the trench.
- Put drainage pipes on top of the gravel to drain the water.
- Fill the rest of the trench to the top with gravel. Make sure the gravel also covers the drainage pipes. The water will drain from the surface down through the gravel and be channeled into the pipes, which will drain the water away from the plants.
Step 6. Create a drainage pit in the yard or garden
- Dig a large hole in the area where you want to improve drainage.
- Fill the hole with pieces of brick, stone and concrete. The water will be collected from the well and will slowly be absorbed by the surrounding soil.
Advice
- Manure helps clay particles clump together, improving the drainage and structure of a clay soil. It also benefits a sandy, dry soil, allowing it to retain moisture and nutrients when added as mulch.
- Find out what kind of soil you have in your yard or garden. The basic types are: moist clay soil, dry sandy soil, loamy soil, a combination of the first 2 soil types. Since different types of soil can absorb different amounts of moisture, knowing the type can help determine what needs to be done to regulate drainage successfully.
- Try watering the plants less frequently if you are constantly collecting water in a certain area of the yard or garden.
- The organic substances that can be mixed in the soil improve its lightness and promote the growth of plant roots, opening the pores of the soil and allowing air and water to penetrate more easily.
