The herring bone or French drain I had installed is angled down hill from back of the garden to the main drain of my house. I think cultivating the earth with compost could work but like has been said it will be hard work. I think I will also build a water trap along the edge of my neighbours garden the water running from their garden into mine will then have somewhere to go.
Your drainage system sounds suspect to me. Are you sure the perforations to the perforated pipe are pointing upwards? From a logical point, surely no matter of soil amendments will outweigh the positive affect of a below ground drainage system. Do you have any photos of said standing water? Would be useful if you can also mark up the whereabouts of the ducts on said photo.
I had poor drainage due to compacted clay soil. I rotovated in 1" of sharp sand and it did the trick. Ordinary sand is too fine and will reduce drainage. Horticultural sand is sharp sand with a bigger price tag. Builders sand is not suitable. Nor is silver sand. I still get moss but only along an animal track where the cats and badgers have killed the grass.
I agree with LeifUK I too put sharp sand in clay soil and it worked really well, it will also be a lot cheaper alternative than digging everything up again.
Posts
Quote. The herring bone or French drain I had installed is angled down hill from back of the garden to the main drain of my house.
It's been connected into the foul drain from your house ? Does this drain connect to the Water Authority Sewer ?
Monty,
Your drainage system sounds suspect to me. Are you sure the perforations to the perforated pipe are pointing upwards? From a logical point, surely no matter of soil amendments will outweigh the positive affect of a below ground drainage system. Do you have any photos of said standing water? Would be useful if you can also mark up the whereabouts of the ducts on said photo.
Dan
I had poor drainage due to compacted clay soil. I rotovated in 1" of sharp sand and it did the trick. Ordinary sand is too fine and will reduce drainage. Horticultural sand is sharp sand with a bigger price tag. Builders sand is not suitable. Nor is silver sand. I still get moss but only along an animal track where the cats and badgers have killed the grass.