Monroe County Master Gardener Association

So What can you do with Poor Drainage?   Here are Six ways to improve drainage:

1.  Fill in low levels with good quality topsoil.
2.  Amend clay soils with 4-6 inches of organic matter and rototill it to about 12 inches deep.  Make sure the soil isn’t wet when you till.
3.  Use a raised bed or berms.  Not only do these help with poor drainage, but they also help as you harvest, weed and prune by not bending over  so far.
4.  Create a dry creek bed.  Vary the size stone and rock used for texture and interest.
5.  Make a bog garden.  There are many plants that enjoy having their  feet wet.  Keep in mind that some maybe invasive so research first.  You  may be better off using a tropical that won’t go “wild” on you.  Or, if it  does you won’t have to worry about it after our winter.
6.  Install a French drain to route the water into another area.