Q&A for How to Dry Out Dirt

A regular dehumidifier would work, but a nice commercial unit really sucks out all the moisture. To make sure your space is completely dry, seal off all the vents so no air can get in or out. Then, have a dehumidifier down there 24/7.

Potentially, yes--adding lime to soil alters its pH levels by making it more alkaline. Certain plants that favor acidic soil may have a hard time surviving in their new chemical environment.

Sure! Just be very careful not to come into direct content with the lime or inhale the dust it gives off while you're working in the cramped crawlspace. Doing so could result in serious chemical burns or lung irritation.

Yes. Ingesting lime could cause severe esophageal burns in both humans and animals. If you have inquisitive pets that you think might get into the lime while it's on the ground, it may be best to keep them in the house or find an alternative method that doesn't pose as much of a risk to their health and safety.

You will need a pH test kit and safe acidifying amendments. Look up soil testing, soil pH and soil amendments before you try to plant.

You can treat the soil with quicklime or hydrated lime to dry it out quickly. Put on some gardening gloves to keep your hands protected and spread 2 inches (5.1 cm) of lime over the surface of the soil. Let the lime sit for about an hour to allow it to evaporate the excess water in the soil. Then, use a shovel or a rake to work the lime into the soil to help keep your soil from holding too much water.

You can try aerating the soil so it won't hold so much water the next time it rains. Wait until your yard is fully dry and go around the area you want to dry and pick up or relocate any rocks or brush you find sitting on top of the dirt. Then, take a step aerator or spike rake and start at one end of the site. Work your way across to the opposite end. Then, turn and go back in the opposite direction, using the prongs of your tool to churn up a fresh patch of untouched soil.

You can use a simple hand test to check if the soil is too wet for tilling. Take up a ball of dirt and squeeze it in your hand. If it breaks up and crumbles, then the soil is dry enough and ready to be tilled. If it doesn't crumble and retains its shape, then it's too wet for you to till. Wait another 12 hours or so and check the soil again to see if it's dry enough to crumble in your hands.