Question
I have recently started a little home garden in the back of my house (I live in Southeastern Massachusetts) and after turning over some land and mixing in composted manure and peat moss I began to attempt to plant some vegetables. Much to my surprise when I began to water the few items I had planted the water only pooled rather than be absorbed. After water directly for 10 minutes I find that the soil is wet at best only 1/4 of an inch down. Its almost as if the soil is oil and will not mesh with water at all. Why does this happen, and is my best bed to add more top soil and peat moss?? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

Answer
Hi Kristin,  I would add more compost, chopped leaves or fine bark to build your soil height and improve drainage.  However, 10 minutes is not long enough to water. Each particle of soil must hold 100% of it's water holding capacity before the next particle gets any water. A sprinkler should run about 1-2 hours to saturate the soil completely.  The amount of time depends on the soil type and sprinkler volume.  Check your sprinkler by placing a cup 10 feet away and let it run until there is an inch of water in it.  If you start getting runoff, back down the volume and water slowere.Thorough less frequent watering is better than daily shallow watering.  Jim