How to Modify Poor Draining Soil

Clay's compacted structure barely allows room for water to circulate past plants' roots. While you can find species that love swampy conditions, many, such as your summer vegetables, abhor wet feet. Hardpan, a layer of compacted soil 12 to 15 inches deep that occurs naturally or as a result of heavy traffic in the area, also drains poorly. Deep tillage and organic matter added to compacted ground spread the soil particles apart, improving drainage. Rotted manure, compost and peat moss are some of the soil amendments that modify soil structure, accelerating the rate at which water flows through.

Things You'll Need

• Hoe
• Shovel
• Pickax
• Rototiller (optional)
• Organic matter
• Rake

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Remove weeds, grass and debris from the soil surface.

   • 2

     Break the ground to a depth of 15 to 18 inches with a shovel and pickax. Work a large area with a rototiller to protect your back.

   • 3

     Spread 3 to 4 inches of organic matter over the turned soil. Incorporate the amendment 15 to 18 inches deep uniformly. Rake the area to smooth the surface out for planting.