How to Modify Poorly Draining Soil to Prevent Sogginess

Perennial Holes

• 1

  Dig a hole for a tree or plant that is five times as wide and as deep as the root ball.

• 2

  Add 2 to 3 inches of sand to the bottom of the hole.

• 3

  Set the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball is flush with the ground's surface.

• 4

  Replace 10 percent of the removed soil with compost.

• 5

  Fill the hole with the amended soil.

Raised Beds

• 6

  Dig an area for the garden bed that is at least 1 foot deep and a minimum of 8 feet wide.

• 7

  Replace 25 percent of the soil with compost.

• 8

  Build up the bed so it is 2 feet high with a mixture of compost and gardening soil. Buy commercially prepared gardening soil to add to the mix to build up the bed, if necessary.