[lanky lurcher]

hi everyone,
wondering if anyone has any solutions on how to get rid of a 5ft sq patch of waterlogged soil (the water's literally 3" deep in places). I've tried to airiate with my fork ,but to no avail ! i want to be growing on this allotment section in the spring,hopefully!
thanx  

[Rampant_Weasel]

u could try gripping it if u have a ditch to run into?

[mushroom]

That's a small area... maybe dig a hole, pump it, let it fill... pump it.
Difficult to advise without seeing it, or knowing what kind of soil it is. Are there any drains nearby?

[noshed]

Seems a bit weird having a relatively small patch - is it at the bottom of a hill or do you think there might be a leaking drain underneath? I would be inclined to dig down a bit and have a look. Staring into a hole can often attract others, one of whom may know what to do.

[Selkie]

Staring into a hole can often attract others, one of whom may know what to do.

that is classic

[sawnee]

Staring into a hole can often attract others, one of whom may know what to do.

that is classic

Does noshed work for the council :?:    

[Bigbadfrankie]

I have often stared into a hole unwise for what to do :shock:

but certainly dig down and in the spring it will dry out

[Trillium]

Guessing at how it might look, I'd try to run some perforated drain pipe wrapped in weed barrier fabric (to keep out mud) partly buried along both sides of the bed and away from the area. If possible, you might also want to build up the bed sides with wood planks and add more soil, as our own John did in his diaries. He had a soggy patch to deal with as well.

[gobs]

Staring into a hole can often attract others, one of whom may know what to do.

that is classic

Does noshed work for the council :?:    

No, she is a genious.

[richyrich7]

Like Noshed says pretty strange to have a small patch , unless its in a gate way or a shed or similar has been on it/near it. compression of the soil may have caused a pan to form in this area, it's very common in entrance to fields where the tractors go over etc    

I'd be tempted to double dig the area and go from there, my front garden used to flood till I did this, now it drains reasonably well.

[SnooziSuzi]

Guessing at how it might look, I'd try to run some perforated drain pipe wrapped in weed barrier fabric (to keep out mud) partly buried along both sides of the bed and away from the area. If possible, you might also want to build up the bed sides with wood planks and add more soil, as our own John did in his diaries. He had a soggy patch to deal with as well.

This is a good idea; it's kind of like a french drain and would work if you have somewhere to drain it to...

[mkhenry]

Check with others who know the plot.Ask if this is normal or just this season.
It may be the visible trace of an underground stream,or just the lowest place that water for the site collects.
 
You can check levels by laying down on the soil and looking at the lay of the land.
You will be surprised what you can discover just by getting another view.  

If it is just compaction then double digging and incorporating grit will help it to drain.

When you do start growing in that area grow deep rooting crops that will help prevent the problem returning.

[noshed]

Just so everyone knows - I used to work for a council. I knew a few trench inspectors there.
I now no longer work for a council but the mighty London Borough of Waltham Forest has as far as I know privatised everything useful, in particular the digging of holes/trenches. Their trench standards have consequently slumped.

[mkhenry]

Just so everyone knows - I used to work for a council. I knew a few trench inspectors there.
I now no longer work for a council but the mighty London Borough of Waltham Forest has as far as I know privatised everything useful, in particular the digging of holes/trenches. Their trench standards have consequently slumped.

Headlines in a Bristol newspaper in the 1970s

A BIG HOLE APPEARS IN HIGH ST.
The council are looking into it.

[lanky lurcher]

hi everyone,many thanx for your suggestions  
the plot holder next to mine told me that he actually sunk in the mud right up to the top of his wellies!! so the patch altogether is about 10 ft long by 5. we are on a hill although the rest of the plot is fine.
so, me thinks i will double dig ,add more soil,in the hope that by spring it'll be dryer !
what deep rooting crops could i grow to help the soil?
thanx again