Fixing Waterlogged Garden Sections: Drainage Solutions

Diagnose the Cause

Dig down in spongy/waterlogged area to identify barrier:

• Rock shelf: Impermeable layer
• Hard clay: Impermeable but amendable

Rock Shelf Solution

• Retaining wall around problem area
• 4-6 inches mixed large/small gravel = natural drain
• Soil on top to needed planting depth
• Cheaper than rock excavation
• Creates attractive raised bed opportunity
• Check landscaping magazines for design ideas

Clay Solution

• Remove surface soil
• Till in 4 inches bark mulch to 8 inches depth
• Replace soil
• Organic program continues improving drainage yearly
• Invest in earthworms to accelerate

Next Steps

Dig to find the barrier, then report findings for tailored solution. Rock vs. clay requires fundamentally different approaches.