If you have a new garden area in mind, there are several tasks you should perform before sowing that first seed. The first task is to take soil samples, and perform a soil test. The second task should be to measure the drainage of the proposed area.
The type of soil you have will dictate how well the area drains. Soil that has a high content of clay will drain slowly. Soils with high contents of sand will drain too quickly. Also your garden area may have low spots, which will cause water to pool during rainy conditions. Although a thorough soil test will tell you what type of soil you have, it is still wise to check the drainage of your soil using a percolation test. This will give you a better idea of where you need to concentrate on amending the soil the most – helping you to save time, money, and unnecessary work.
Performing A Percolation Test
A percolation test is very simple and does not take a lot of time. Here is how to perform a percolation test on your soil.
- Using a shovel, dig several 12 inch-deep by 12 inch-wide holes in various locations of your proposed garden area. It is best to perform this test in the spring or fall. If performing the test in the spring, make sure the soil has had plenty of time to thaw out. You may find that it is best to perform this test in the fall for those in the extreme north.
- Next, use a stick ruler and place in the first hole. This will be used to measure the water depth, and to later gauge how well the water is draining. Fill the hole with water until it is at ground level. Do this one hole at a time if you are working alone. You would be running from hole to hole like a maniac if you try to perform several percolation tests at one time by yourself.
- Once you have the hole filled with water, let the water drain out completely.
- Now refill the hole with water again, this time use a stopwatch to time how fast the water drains.
The water should drain at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. If the water drains any slower or faster the soil should be amended with compost. If you have some areas of the garden that are unlevel and collect water easily, simply level them out with topsoil or compost.
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Why in some area’s beef stake tomatoes never produce the way they are supposed to? I find better boys or early girls seem to be better suited for my garden.
Hi Jim! I’m not sure why beefsteak tomatoes do not do well in your area. If you can grow Better Boys or Early Girls, you shouldn’t have much problems with growing other types of tomatoes. Better Boys and Early Girls are very popular tomatoes grown each year. They are very easy to grow and typical produce very well.
I don’t think you should give up on beefsteak varieties just yet
Tee