Why Does Water Run Off My Soil Instead of Soaking in?

Written and edited by Tammy 16th January 2026

Why Does Water Run Off My Soil Instead of Soaking in?

Sound familiar?

To me, it sure does! Nearly every second customer I talk to throughout the summer months asks this exact question...."Why does water run off my soil instead of soaking in?? what am I doing wrong?"

Have you ever watered the garden… only to watch the water bead up, run sideways, or disappear into cracks like it’s actively avoiding the soil?

You’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not doing anything wrong.

Chances are, you’re dealing with hydrophobic soil, one of the most common (and frustrating) soil issues I see in home gardens throughout our region, Naracoorte in the Limestone Coast. (We have a lot of that horrid grey non wetting sand).

Let’s gently unpack what’s going on, why it happens, and how we can bring that soil back to life 💚

Hydrophobic soil literally means water-repellent soil.

Instead of soaking in nice and evenly, water sits on the surface in a neat round bubble, not soaking in at all, leaving our plants thirsty, bone dry and stressed, despite our best efforts and intentions, which is incredibly frustrating.

(Think about like this...when we apply sunscreen to our skin, what happens when we jump in the pool? The water beads up and rolls right off us. We repel the water.

So how do we get rid of that greasy coating? (Little hint… we definitely don’t go and roll in compost 😜)

We break it down with a hot, soapy shower. Because soap breaks down grease!).

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Why Does Soil Become Hydrophobic?

Soil tends to become hydrophobic when it dries out too much, for too long.

As it dries, waxy organic compounds begin to coat the soil particles. Instead of attracting water, these coatings cause water to repel, meaning it simply can’t soak in the way it should. Once soil reaches this point, it actively resists re-wetting, even when we think we’re giving it a good, deep drink.

The problem is really common in sandy soils. Sand drains very quickly, holds very little organic matter, and dries out way faster than heavier soils.

Think hot summers, drying winds, and inconsistent rainfall… and boom, you've got

hydrophobic soil! 😫

Here's How we Treat Hydrophobic Soil (Gently and Effectively)

1. Patience.

Slow re-hydration, not blasting it, fast watering just runs straight off. Let the soil learn to accept water again.

Try:

• a gentle hose trickle

• drippers

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2. Add Organic Matter (This Is the Big One)

Organic matter improves soil structure helping it to hold moisture and break that water-repellent coating.

Think:

• compost

• well-rotted manures

• worm castings

A little often is better than dumping heaps on all at once.

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3. Use a Soil Wetter

Eco-friendly soil wetting agents can help temporarily break that water-repellent barrier.

They’re especially handy:

• at the start of the season

• after a long dry spell

Think of them as a support tool, not a forever fix. (Look for Amgrow Wetta Soil or Richgro Ezy Wet)

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4. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch

Bare soil dries out faster, every single time.

Mulch:

• keeps soil cooler

• reduces evaporation

• protects soil biology

Organic mulches are best as they feed the soil as they break down.

Preventing Hydrophobic Soil Long-Term

This is where gardening gets easier (promise). The key is keeping soil consistently moist, not wet and soggy, but not allowed to dry out to bone-dry either. Maintaining organic matter in the soil year-round helps protect soil particles and encourages healthier structure, while making mulching an essential 'MUST DO' avoids bare soil, reducing drying, baking, and water repellence. Improving soil structure is a slow, seasonal process, but each small step builds on the last.

Healthy soil biology equals soil that wants to accept water.

Hydrophobic soil isn’t a sign of bad gardening.

It’s a sign of dry conditions meeting sandy soil, something many of us are working with.

With a few gentle tweaks, your soil can absolutely be brought back into balance.

And once it does?

Watering becomes easier, plants cope better with heat, and the whole garden just feels calmer.

From my backyard to yours

Happy Gardening💚😘