How to Get Plant Soil to Drain

Soil that properly drains is imperative when growing plants, such as those in a vegetable garden. If plants are left to grow in standing water, they are likely to develop fungal or bacterial disease such as root rot, a fatal condition. Figuring out a way to drain your soil is necessary if you are growing in a place where it doesn't occur naturally. Even if you are growing in a low-lying place, draining your garden's soil is possible with the correct supplies.

Tape measure
3-inch diameter PVC
Shovel
Gravel
Agricultural fabric

Instructions

- 1
  Locate a spot below the garden where the water drains away. Measure out the distance from this spot to the lowest-lying spot in your garden.
- 2
  Purchase enough 3-inch diameter polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe to span the distance that you measured.
- 3
  Use the shovel to dig a trench between both points. Level the trench so it drops 1 inch for every 10 feet between the garden and the drainage area. Put down about 3 inches of gravel in the trench when you're finished digging it.
- 4
  Place the piping in the trench over the gravel and cover it with agricultural fabric.
- 5
  Cover the pipe with 6 inches of gravel and then cover that with soil. The water should begin to drain from the garden and down the new grading you have created.

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