poor drainage

[dmmurphy]

My garden has very poor drainage due to clay under the soil, i've read that i have to dig a soak away or drainage channels. But exactly how do i do this and what sizes should they be etc??

My garden is approximatyley 75' x 30'

[landscaper2]

Not something to be rushed. No point in digging soakaway, channels etc if the soil is so clay based that the water wont soakaway anyway. Firstly, try a few small test holes down 2 or 3 feet (best done in the winter) if they fill with water, then a soakaway wont work. A sump and a pump may be the alternative if it is a real problem.