The drainage simply isn't happening since I tilled in that new compost. The compost itself was already absurdly water logged because of our 2-3 days a week of fierce rains since August. I was worried this would happen. I tilled it all in with the new tiller, waited for a rain, and then tilled the stuff in again, but it's still collecting water.
This one is a little worse. You can see it's on a slight incline, but it's what I had to work with.
I'll have to figure out a way to ensure better drainage before I plant things out there in a few weeks.
The morning comes early. Sweet gardening dreams and try to stay dry out there.
This one is a little worse. You can see it's on a slight incline, but it's what I had to work with.
I'll have to figure out a way to ensure better drainage before I plant things out there in a few weeks.
I would poke a bunch of holes in the soil with a garden fork or broom handle to allow the water through. Then aerate the soil once it has thoroughly dried out.
ReplyDeleteWow. That is retaining water. Good for the dry months, I suppose, but hard for the winter. Compost is supposed to be the universal answer. . . I wish I knew.
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem with one of my raised beds. Remember the post I did about the compost being frozen solid? Well a month or so before that it was completely water logged. My backyard slopes away from the house going westward so the water tends to collect over there. I hearsay that adding peat moss helps.
ReplyDeleteribbit - all you need to do is mix some sand with it - making it about 5-10% of the total mix. I have some in my bix box, and it's never pooled water.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading how you 'happened' upon gardening through your son at the garden center! I hope you will have a great year with your gardening. I like the last commenter's suggestion re: adding a sand mixture. Perhaps that will do the trick!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jan! I'm loving the garden. It's funny how your children can guide you in paths you were meant to take. Odd how they teach you even when you think you're supposed to teach them.
ReplyDeleteI don't think a raised bed would ever give you a problem with poor drainage without a sealed bottom. I would just give it some time. John
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