How to understand that soil waters are too close to the surface: Gardening tips

While water is vital for plants, too much moisture can kill your garden.

Determining whether soil waters are too close to the surface in your garden can be crucial for understanding drainage issues and the overall health of your plants. 

Here are some signs to look for.

Excessively wet soil

If you notice that the soil in your garden remains constantly wet or waterlogged, even after light rainfall or irrigation, it could indicate that the water table is high and close to the surface.

Poor drainage

If water takes a long time to drain after heavy rain or if you frequently encounter standing water in certain areas of your garden, it suggests that the soil has a high water table.

Plant stress and root issues

Plants that are struggling or showing signs of root rot may indicate that the soil waters are too close to the surface. 

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or wilting can be signs of poor drainage and excessive moisture.

Presence of water-loving weeds

If you notice an abundance of water-loving weeds, such as cattails or water-loving grasses, it may indicate that the soil waters are consistently high.

Soil composition

Soils with high clay content tend to retain water more readily, which can contribute to a high water table. 

If you have clayey soil and experience the above-mentioned signs, it is more likely that the water table is close to the surface.
 

• Related news:
• soil
• soil waters
• wet soil
• gardening tips
• 23 July 2023

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