Water is necessary for a garden to grow and flourish. True, very true…but TOO much water is problematic. The plot of land that we chose for placing our high tunnels used to be a pond. Yes, a pond; therefore the groundwater is extremely high, especially during this rainy season. These conditions called for drainage if we were ever going to successfully produce in our tunnels. As a staff we chose to go with the French drain method. After several weeks of research and preparation, we were ready to begin.

Last week (March 16-19) we started and completed our ~130-foot French drain around our two tunnels. This drain began at a depth of 1 foot and ended at a depth of 2.5 feet. We strived to drop a quarter of an inch every 2 feet, but of course obstacles arose and things were adjusted on the spot when rocks or other natural barriers were present About half of our student body participated in digging this drain, with help from service groups on campus all week from University of Kentucky and Texas Tech University. We were able to complete this extensive project in 4 school days! Without the enthusiasm and work ethic of our students and the college volunteers the drain would still only be a shallow ditch.

The photos attached document this endeavor more appropriately than words. The spirit and positivity in all that helped was contagious! The David School is appreciative and proud of all involved in making this French drainage system a success!

drain 1 james measuredrain 2 dev sam jon mid tundrain 3 eliz jer first draindrain 5 first pipe in drain 7 gravel over 1st pipedrain 4 dil david back draindrain 10 ten mattockdrain 9 gravel anna sabdrain 8 me sawdrain 11 last pipedrain 12 drain covered