Understanding water in your garden
We'll start by looking at how water moves through your soil. Heavy clay holds water and drains slowly, while sandy soils shed it quickly. In Devon we often see clay patches that stay soggy for days. Improving structure with organic matter helps, but in poor sites you may need a physical solution such as a gravel-filled trench or a simple soakaway.
Assessing the problem
We'd recommend observing your garden in wet weather. Mark where puddles form, note how long water takes to disappear and check downpipes and gutters for overflow. A basic spade test—digging a 30cm hole after rain—tells us how saturated the soil is beneath the surface. This quick check helps prioritise repairs.
Simple drainage fixes you can try
I always advise starting with the least invasive options to save you time. Clearing gutters and downpipes, extending downpipe runs into a gravel pit, and creating shallow channels to sensible discharge points often solves many problems. On lawns, a few strategic aeration holes can speed drainage. Where beds sit on heavy ground, we can build raised beds to lift plants out of waterlogged soil and improve root health.
Irrigation tips for dry spells
We favour gentle, regular watering over rushed flooding. Early morning is best to reduce evaporation. Use a hose with a gentle spray pattern or a watering can aimed at the root zone. For borders and vegetables, a simple soaker hose or drip tape laid under mulch delivers water where roots need it and cuts waste.
Saving and reusing rainwater
We encourage collecting roof water into a rain butt for watering in summer. A moderate-sized water butt connected to a downpipe will supply several watering cans and reduce tap water use. Where space permits, a larger tank or shared system can supply soaker hoses or a simple gravity-fed drip system.
Maintaining systems and seasonal checks
We always ask clients to inspect gutters, filters and hose fittings each spring and autumn. Remove debris from rain butts and flush lines before the hot months. Replace or repair any damaged links promptly to avoid leaks and blockages. Regular mulching in summer retains moisture, while winter drainage checks ensure plants come through the wet months well.
We hope these practical steps make managing water in your garden easier and less stressful.
Contact our team for friendly advice or to arrange a visit.
