Drainage advise needed!

[#lottiehottie]

Hi all

We have just rotivated our first plot ready for the raised beds to be built, and have yet to see the effects of the wet weather on the ground.

What do other people do to ensure there is adequate drainage?

Thanks

[Bigmallly]

It all depends how bad it is but if it's flooded, take a look at Andys' videos:

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...tes_67661.html

[Bill HH]

A hundred years ago farmers knew the importance of drainage, fields were covered with a network of deep clay land drains all running into well maintained ditches. The ditches were dug out annualy and land drains unblocked. Many seem to just not bother anymore and prefer to make money and let the future occupants worry about drains.Ditches have become filled in. The modern way is to mole drill or dig in a perforated plastic pipe, this can be expensive. There is no substitute for proper drainage in wet areas.

[veggiechicken]

Are you concerned about something that may not be a problem? Unless you can see signs of bad drainage - like sunken, soggy areas, moss, rushes, marestail, or know that neighbouring plots have problems, don't worry about it. If the ground has been cultivated for some time, any issues should have been sorted.

[Two_Sheds]

Are you concerned about something that may not be a problem?

I think so.

Maybe Lottie Hottie's heard/read about drainage (and about rotavating) so thought they ought to do it? I don't think one should try and get the plot absolutely perfect before planting anything, and rotavating has negatives as well as pluses.

I believe you learn by planting, and then seeing how those plants grow (or don't). The plot doesn't need to be just so.

Plants will grow, without massive applications of fertiliser, horsemuck, lime and soil tests. Plant it up and take note of what does well, what does badly, then adjust your gardening to suit. If the plot floods, then you take action re drainage.

[PAULW]

There are some years where you could do with more drainage and some years you could do with less part of the joys of being an allotment owner.