improve DRAINAGE

Drainage isn’t exciting, but good drainage is vital to make a garden work well. Winter is the season to check for and improve damp or boggy areas. Here’s how.

If the soil is a heavy clay that holds moisture, spread 2–3 handfuls of powdered gypsum and dig it in, or apply a liquid gypsum product a few times. While this can help a clay soil drain more readily, it may take several months for it to take effect.

Dig in lots of organic matter, too, as this will eventually improve the drainage.

Create a grassy surface drain or build a rock-covered dry creek bed (below) that will carry away water run-off during wet periods.

Install an open drain with a grate that catches surface water and carries it downslope via pipes to a sump or stormwater drain.

Construct a drain below the surface using slotted agricultural pipe that is surrounded by porous material, such as gravel. The porous material draws excess soil moisture into the pipe and directs it to a sump or stormwater drain.