And such soil is better able than others to attract, hold, and release certain nutrients. Improving soil structure is important, but you may also need to correct other problems if your garden is to thrive. If water simply stands in the soil's pore spaces rather than draining away, there's not enough air available for roots and beneficial soil-dwelling microorganisms, and both may die. The reduced root structure can't adequately support the plant's leaves and stems, and the resulting stress makes the plant more susceptible to insect infestation or disease. Fortunately, many drainage problems are easily solved once you become aware of them.
Many gardens drain poorly only in some spots.
To pinpoint problem areas, inspect your garden after a heavy rain to see where water is standing. It may be sufficient simply to slope the soil in those areas so that water drains away from them. If that doesn't do the trick, you may need to dig a sloped trench and install drainage pipe perforated along the top and sides.