It rained for nine weeks in the Atlantic Forest this summer, and our drainage assumptions all went out the window. The seedlings that thrived were the ones whose roots never sat in water.

Water in, water through

Soil isn't just dirt — it's structure. A plot with good organic matter holds water like a sponge, then lets the excess drain. A compacted plot holds it like a bowl, and roots drown.

What we changed

We now test drainage before a single seed goes in, and amend with organic matter where it's thin. The next wet summer, we'll be ready.