Garden Care During & After Rainy Season
Even though we have reached the Spring season, the rain doesn't seem to be letting up. In order to influence you to not abandon your garden during this deluge, we have created a 2-1 guide where we walk you through how to care for and maintain your garden during and after it has rained. All of these steps are easy to follow, therefore regardless of whether you are a seasoned gardener or just getting started.
Garden Care DURING Rainy Weather
Protecting your garden during heavy winds and rain involves taking preventive measures to minimize damage to your plants and garden structures. Here are some steps you can take:
Choose Wind-Resistant Plants: Select plants that are known to be tolerant of windy conditions. These may include sturdy shrubs, grasses, and trees with strong root systems.
Install Windbreaks: Plant windbreaks such as tall hedges, fences, or shrubs around the perimeter of your garden to help reduce the impact of strong winds. These barriers can help deflect wind away from more vulnerable plants.
Stake or Support Tall Plants: Use stakes, cages, or trellises to support tall or top-heavy plants that are prone to be knocked over by strong winds. Secure them firmly to prevent them from being uprooted or damaged.
Prune Regularly: Regularly prune trees and shrubs to remove dead or weak branches that may be more susceptible to breaking off during heavy winds. This can help reduce the risk of damage to plants and surrounding structures.
Secure Garden Structures: Ensure that any garden structures such as arbours, pergolas, or greenhouses are securely anchored to the ground or to sturdy supports to prevent them from being blown over or damaged by strong winds.
Mulch and Protect Soil: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of plants to help stabilize the soil and reduce erosion during heavy rain. Mulch also helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which can benefit plants during extreme weather conditions.
Cover Vulnerable Plants: Use row covers, cloches, or garden fabric to cover vulnerable plants during periods of heavy rain or strong winds. This can help protect delicate foliage and flowers from being damaged by pounding rain or strong gusts.
Check Drainage: Ensure that your garden has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging and soil erosion during heavy rain. Consider adding drainage channels or raised beds to improve drainage in low-lying areas.
Monitor Weather Forecasts: Stay informed about upcoming weather conditions and take proactive measures to protect your garden when severe weather is expected. Bring potted plants indoors or to sheltered areas if possible.
Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect your garden after heavy winds and rain to assess any damage and make necessary repairs or adjustments. Prompt action can help minimize further damage and promote the recovery of your garden.
By taking these steps to protect your garden during heavy winds and rain, you can minimize damage to your plants and garden structures and ensure that your garden remains healthy and thriving despite adverse weather conditions
Garden Care AFTER Rainy Weather
Rescuing your garden after heavy winds and rain requires some immediate actions to assess and mitigate damage, followed by ongoing care to help plants recover. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Safety First: Before anything else, ensure that it's safe to work in the garden. Remove any fallen branches or debris that may pose a hazard.
Assess Damage: Walk around your garden and assess the damage. Look for broken branches, uprooted plants, soil erosion, and any other visible damage.
Uprooted Plants: If plants have been uprooted, gently replant them as soon as possible. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Firm the soil around the roots to provide stability.
Broken Branches: Prune any broken or damaged branches to prevent further tearing and to promote healing. Make clean cuts just above a bud or lateral branch using sharp, clean pruners.
Support Structures: Check any support structures such as trellises, stakes, or cages. Repair or replace damaged supports to prevent further damage to plants.
Soil Erosion: If heavy rain has caused soil erosion, gently rake the soil back into place and consider adding mulch to stabilize the soil and prevent further erosion.
Waterlogged Soil: If the soil is waterlogged, provide adequate drainage by loosening compacted soil or creating channels to direct water away from plants.
Replanting: If any plants have been completely destroyed, consider replanting with new specimens once the soil has dried out sufficiently.
Nutrient Boost: Heavy rain can leach nutrients from the soil. Consider applying a balanced fertilizer to replenish nutrients and support plant recovery.
Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Heavy rain and wind can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation or disease and take appropriate action.
Watering: While the soil may be saturated from the rain, continue to monitor moisture levels and water as needed, especially if there are extended periods without rain.
Provide Shade and Wind Protection: If possible, provide temporary shade and wind protection for vulnerable plants until they have fully recovered.
Patience: Finally, be patient. It may take some time for your garden to fully recover from the effects of heavy winds and rain. With proper care and attention, most plants will bounce back given enough time.
By following these steps and providing ongoing care, you can help your garden recover from the effects of heavy winds and rain and ensure that your plants thrive once again.