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Upa Creek, Mo

I'm just curious as to what others on here who have patches with high clay content on what they do to get better drainage? I already added liquid gypsum and have tilled the patch out, but it really holds puddles well.

I still plan on adding around 10 yards of compost and soil high in organic matter. Since this is my first year in this patch is there much I can do besides add the above and mound to prevent rot? Or, is this mostly a time issue to work organic matter in over years to get adequate drainage?

Thanks,

Luke

3/17/2011 8:45:46 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Hey Luke, give it a few years and you'll be surprised how much you will improve your patch over time.

Keep adding your organic matter every year and think about adding granular gypsum if you have alot of clay. Give it as good a tilling (as deep as you can) each year and you'll be good to go.

Its your first year in a new home and hopefully you, your wife and that new little one will be there for many years to come.

3/18/2011 12:28:01 AM

Muddy Waters

My patch is clay based, I dug a trench 18 inchs deep and ran a drain pipe (black plastic)purferrated.across the middle and back filled with sand,I did this for wet seasons,Its worked well.But im willing to go to extremes.lol Just a little.also my BF of 40 years has all the equipment.

3/18/2011 7:23:37 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

Ok, thanks guys. For this year, I am really going to elevate the main stump. At least I will cut cost on the water bill.

Glenn, I'll add granular in fall for sure. I have plenty on the patch now for the time being.

3/18/2011 4:06:05 PM

Johnston, Iowa

Oh lordy, you've touched on a sore subject! The natural soil in my area is 1/8 organic layer on top of at least a five foot layer of yellow clay. It sucks!!!

I agree with what everyone has said. Here is what I'm trying this year to help with drainage:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=151825

Lucky for me, my patch is on the side of a hill. I've dug a trench, filled the bottom of the trench with river rock, then covered that with sand. Black topsoil and compost will eventually go on top. Of course the trench is angled downhill. If this works, next year I will dig a few more of these.

If I remember correctly your patch is pretty much flat. In addition to what everyone has already stated, you can always add some sand to the soil itself good luck.

3/21/2011 1:04:36 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Damn Dan, mine isn't that bad LOL.

After adding 8 yards of compost and some manure it is already draining much better. I also tilled it quite a few times so it is pretty loose and broken up. I believe the liquid gypsum recommended by Tom P helped out too.

4/12/2011 10:03:15 AM