boggy soil

[rowell3]

my lotty seems to hold water ,what can i add to the soil to dry out ,cheers in advance

[Sylvan]

I would start by double digging. You may find there's a layer of clay subsoil that needs loosening.

[rowell3]

I would start by double digging. You may find there's a layer of clay subsoil that needs loosening.

hi ive turned the soil over a few times but still ends up like a swamp ,i thought maybe adding peat or ????

[Sylvan]

Peat is the worst thing you could add. It would make it hold even more water.
If your soil is heavy clay adding sharp sand can help.

For double digging you take out a trench of soil to a depth of one spade and then dig over the soil underneath that with a fork to break it up.
Then move along one spade's width and do the same again (putting the soil you dig out of the second trench into the first one). Keep doing that till you get to the other end of the bed and then you can put the soil you took out of the first trench back into the last one.

It's not a good idea to dig (or walk on it) while it's very wet though, or you'll make it worse.

[Two_Sheds]

my lotty seems to hold water

How long have you had it? Mine is holding water at the moment, after months of rain, but it is normally free-draining (very).

Have you asked your lotty neighbours what their soil is like, or what they recommend?

[rowell3]

How long have you had it? Mine is holding water at the moment, after months of rain, but it is normally free-draining (very).

Have you asked your lotty neighbours what their soil is like, or what they recommend?

about 4 months ,rainy ones at that as you say so may be ok,ive added some sharp sand and will turn over at weekend if dry

[Two_Sheds]

Ask the other plot holders what the ground is usually like

[snohare]

what can i add to the soil to dry out

Height !
That's half the reason why I use raised beds - their drainage profile is much better in wetter weather, particularly if in a low lying area prone to receiving runoff. The bed I have in someone's garden near here, if we grew at ground level it would be a mud pool. Lots of clay and a water table inches down...

[rowell3]

Ask the other plot holders what the ground is usually like

other plot holders are pidgeon men

[valmarg]

We live in an area with a very high water table, and to be honest it is easier to grow moss than a lawn. It might be something you should check, but I wouldn't know where to start to give you advice. I'm sure there will be someone on here who can help.

valmarg