Water is a very important component to a successful garden, but like all other aspects of growing plants, too much water can be detrimental.
Excessive water can cause seed and root rot, decline in germination and displacement of oxygen, especially when the plants are young. The major contributing factor to poorly drained soil in plant production is inadequate aeration.
Most plants like moist but well-drained soils, and the main factors that can influence the soil drainage is soil structure, compaction and slope.
Soil structure can be improved by adding various soil amendments, depending on the prominent soil type. Compaction is improved by periodical deep tillage or “turning” the soil. Slope is much harder to adjust, so if possible, select a flat garden spot or consider alternative planting methods.
There are several additional steps that you also can use to control drainage issues in the garden space, which include managing the surface water by locating the garden in an area that minimizes runoff and standing water.
If drainage problems aren’t too severe, you can increase the permeability of the soil by incorporating large amounts of organic matter. Spiking or slitting the soil to break up water and root barriers, such as compaction layers, is also a beneficial practice in improving garden drainage.
Excessive water can reduce the production of your garden soils, and drainage is one area that many overlook.
By David Richmond, WVU Extension Agent – Raleigh and Summers Counties