Tried and true hints to give soil good drainage

Most plants prefer light, free-draining soils — a garden planted on heavy clay soil will not be very productive. Although such soil may be rich in nutrients, the lack of air movement through it prevents the plants from drawing on those nutrients. Here's how to get better drainage in your soil.

Gypsum, which you can find at your local nursery can be used as a clay breaker. This may not be effective with all soil types, but it is certainly worth trying as a starting point to change the soil's texture so that it drains more freely.

Incorporate plenty of organic matter into the garden bed when the drainage problem is minor. This will allow air to move into and around the soil and improve the overall soil structure. Well-rotted animal manures and compost work best for poorly drained soil. A little sand can also be dug into the ground to help lighten the clay texture.

Although water should permeate the soil for plants to get the most benefit, excess water needs to drain away. Here's how to test the drainage quality of the soil:

1. Dig a 30 centimetre (one foot) deep, saucer-shaped depression on the site of the proposed garden.
2. Fill the hole to the brim with water.
3. Allow half an hour for the water to disperse. If there is still water in the bottom of the hole it is a fair indication that the soil drainage is inadequate.

The simplest way to correct more major problems is to lay lightweight PVC drainage pipes underground in gravel-lined trenches. The pipes are designed to carry water away to a lower point in the garden. A series of pipes should slope away from the proposed bed in a herringbone pattern, preferably towards a drain or an open area where the water can disperse. Do not run them along to the back fence or into a neighbouring garden.

Sometimes you aren't blessed with perfect soil but by following this advice you can make the best of what you have and still give your plants the nutrients they need to grow healthy.