How to Cure Muddy Garden Soil

Clay garden soil that retains water, as well as waterlogged soil from excessive rainfall or a low-lying garden area, can create impossible conditions for plants to survive. Muddy, waterlogged garden soil deprives plant roots of the oxygen they need. Symptoms of waterlogged plants include leaf and stem wilting, poor growth, lack of flowers or fruits, and rotting at the soil level. Adding humus, or organic matter, to your soil is a simple remedy that aerates the soil, and it immediately improves the tilth of the soil. It won’t help existing plants that are already stressed and damaged, but it provides healthier soil for future plantings.

Compost, humus or peat
Garden tiller
Green manure crop, optional

Instructions

- 1
  Spread a layer of compost or humus 2 to 4 inches deep over the waterlogged garden. You can also use dry, chopped leaves and dried grass clippings in the fall. Another alternative is to buy peat. If you purchase a bagged humus or peat product, buy one with low-moisture content.
- 2
  Till the humus into the garden soil, mixing it thoroughly. Till to a depth of at least 6 inches. If your garden plot is hilly, you may need to concentrate the humus in the low spots where the water retention problem is the worst.
- 3
  Use additional compost or humus as necessary to achieve the tilth you desire.
- 4
  Use mulch cautiously during wet periods. Pull mulch back from plants to help waterlogged soil dry out more quickly, then replace it as a weed barrier later.
- 5
  Plant a cover crop or green manure crop over problem areas, if possible, and turn it under to add organic matter to the soil. Examples of green manure crops include buckwheat, hairy vetch, winter rye and clover. Fall-planted cover crops should be turned under the following spring at least two weeks before garden planting. Plant spring manure crops early enough so they can be turned under two weeks before you plant your garden, as well.

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Soil