Question
Hello Mr. Crowder.  I have purchased my first home and look forward to landscaping with spring.  I have been reading books and magazines to select the best plants.  Most of the articles mention having "well drained soil."  How do I determine if my soil fits this description?  I am located in zone 6 in Indiana.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Rebekah, Dig a hole about 12" deep and wide.  Fill it with water.  If the water is gone in under an hour, you have excellent drainage that may require adding organic matter to the soil to hold water longer for some plants.  If it's still there in 4 hours, your drainage is slow.  That means you may need to add organic matter to raise the bed above your existing soil line, thus improving drainage for many plants.  Plants native to your area require little soil improvement.  However, the really cool plants are usually not native, so you'll need to amend the soil to their preference.  Your local nurseryman will help you amend the soil properly once you have chosen the appropriate plants.  Most plants prefer 'good drainage'. However, there are many great plants that will grow quite well in areas with poor drainage.  That's why you need the help of a professional nurseryman.  He'll pick the best plants for the area or teach you how to amend an area to grow something you like.  Jim