wrote in message
ups.com...
I dug out a vegetable plot, about eight inches deep and 8' by 10'. I
plan to put 3" deep garden soil over it and I want to grow some
vegetables. But it is in Zone 5. The soil has too much clay and has
horrible drainage. 24 hours after rain, the water seems to have stayed
same without going down an inch.

I need to know what kinds of vegetable seeds can stand lots of water
and bad drainage. I've already bought radish, cucumber, green bean,
dill, and onion seeds.

Please share your expert comments or suggestions. Thank you in advance
for your advice and your time.


I have heavy clay silt here on top of plastic clay, this is my treatment:

0) locate vege garden on a slight slope
1) build raised beds
2) add gypsum to break up the clay
3) add much organic matter (manure, compost etc), repeat at least annually,
more often if cropping heavily
4) check pH and add lime if required (clay is often acidic), repeat annually
5) Never, ever, walk on your beds


The result is exceedingly fertile, I can grow almost anything well. The
problems that I have had are not related to drainage.

David