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How to fix over watering a raised bed? #753279

Asked June 01, 2021, 1:38 PM EDT

We have a few 18” high 4’x4’ bed. I recently learned that i was over watering everything. Is there a way to help dry the soil without harming the pants. Its really wet.

Crook County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Samuel:

If you've already planted, you really need to wait it out and hope the plants aren't damaged by the overwatering.  You didn't say what the soil makeup of your raised beds are.  Good drainage is essential for healthy plants.  If you have amended the soil, it should dry out with minimal damage.  If the beds are filled with local soil or fill dirt, compaction can be a problem and the plants may not be as productive as you would like.  I'm going to attach a very helpful bulletin that covers all aspects of vegetable gardening in Central Oregon.  As you scroll down, you will see a section on raised bed gardening that you may find helpful. 

Hopefully our current hot spell will help you out.

Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon

Cristi Replied June 01, 2021, 10:39 PM EDT
Thank you for replying so quickly. Almost all the beds are filled with raised garden bed soil. One bed is half potting soil and half raised garden bed soil. I did some digging today around some spots that dont have root underneath. Its definitely too moist but not standing water moist. Its been a week of no watering with an 1.5 inch of rain in that time.  I hope they will dry without too much damage. If plants start t dying i might take them up and buy new seedling to try and start over before its too late in the season. 

On Tue, Jun 1, 2021 at 8:39 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2021, 10:51 PM EDT

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