Clay soil and poor drainage

10 years ago

We have recently moved to new house, so everything is very new for us. There's a part in the backyard near the retaining wall where water will be standing for days and days after it rains. The rest of the yard a very soggy for a while but it eventually firms up. It has been raining here last night and when I looked this morning, there is just standing water everywhere in the area we just tilled. I'm afraid that while it may not be as bad as the water that stands for days and days, it's still may not be good enough for proper drainage. My question is, I understand that you can improve clay soil over time with the addition of organic material being tilled into the soil, but will poor drainage also be improved by that? Or am I just up a creek without a paddle. We had planned on doing several raised bed because we just felt that something's do better in them, but we really wanted to have some space plant in ground because I've read that somethings just don't do it well in raised beds like huge squash plants and such. The back yard also has two French drains, but I'm beginning to wonder if they're really French drains because I can't find the exit for them anywhere on the property. The person who built this house originally, spent a lot of money putting in the retaining wall so I would be surprised if he didn't have the French drains done properly, but I can't understand why I can't find where they let out. Anyway, just looking for some feedback and advice--thanks!

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Comments (3)

booberry85
10 years ago
My advice is to start! Keep your expectations low for the first year or two. Grow things that are hardy (most brassica) and grow things that will help improve your soil (peas & beans). Add compost, lots of compost!

I started off with clay and shale in my garden spot. A friend, the first year I was gardening, came over and rototilled the spot. He was stunned anything grew! I've been steadily increasing the garden space, following the advice I gave above. I've had my triumphs and woes over the years. I guess making that spot in my yard a workable garden space is a triumph!
User
10 years ago
You should really investigate those drains, even if it takes some digging.

I, too, have clay soil and poor drainage. The only place I have for gardening is in a lowlying area. I usually have some standing water after a rain event, but there are ways to cope.

Amending the soil really helps, but I think it's more important to look at the drainage pattern, the direction in which the water runs off, higher to lower. Dig trenches around the perimeter of the garden to direct it there, hopefully in the direction of the french drains.

Rather than raised beds, I do most of my planting in raised rows, so that the working paths between them also serve as trenches. When I plant crops like squash, I plant them in actual raised hills.

Doing this, I've successfully managed to grow crops like onions, that hate wet feet [always on the garden's high side].
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wayne_5 zone 6a Central Indiana
10 years ago
I agree with tilton.

Until you can make changes, make raised rows with drainage in the paths,

Perhaps the retaining wall is holding back water from seeping to lower ground.

Clay soil and poor drainage

Comments (3)

booberry85

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