Heavy rains are considered good by gardeners. It is a good time to rest the watering can. But many gardeners are faced by a dilemma.
Their watering routine is affected by such rains. That is why there are some recommended things to do in a heavy rain season
While the rains are good, they also expose the plants to other risks. Heavy rains can ruin a garden. The most immediate effect of the heavy rain is soil erosion.
The garden loses a lot of soil which is not good. The heavy rains also drain the mulch for gardeners who use some.
The heavy rains can also damage the plants. This is especially the plants in the open. They are damaged on the roots and sometimes to the leaves.
In the end, heavy rains can cause the death of plants. That is why it is always good to have a plan for your garden in such a season.
Stop further supply and retention of water during heavy rains
The essence of irrigating a garden is to provide adequate supply of water for the plants. When the rains are heavy, man-made irrigation is not necessary.
If the irrigation continues, the garden is at a risk of overwatering. Turn off the irrigation for some period until the rains subside.
Sometimes heavy rains may be the cause of overwatering. This is especially in areas where soil retains water. Clay soil is one such type.
A gardener should find a way of draining the excess water from the garden. Such practices as digging of trenches and tilting of the surface can be of help.
To prevent water logging, adding ditches between garden rows is advisable. The water drains with ease in such a garden.
But it also depends on the type of soil and the topography. A gardener should be able to make a decision depending on how much water is retained.
Cover the garden from the heavy rains
In some gardens, the only proper way is to prevent heavy rains from hitting the ground. This is especially in cases such as nurseries. When heavy rains hit the ground, they can easily wash away these plants.
Covering the gardens using tarp or plastic sheeting is recommended. It prevents direct water from hitting the weak plants. The intensity of the rain is reduced. But you should still ensure that the plants receive enough water.
Covering the garden ensures that it does not become too wet. It is the most basic water of preventing overwatering. Heavy rains also come with strong winds. Covering these gardens also shields the plants from the effects of such winds.
There are also other specific types of covering that can work during heavy rains. Using buckets to cover individual plants has proven to work for some gardeners.
This is an easy way of ensuring that the heavy intense rains do not hit the plants directly. It is also a good way of shielding them from heavy winds.
Avoid walking on gardens during heavy rains
Gardeners love to walk across the gardens. Either as a routine check or just to enjoy the scenery. But when it rains heavily, it is time to avoid it.
There is always the risk of lose ground due to overwatering. Walking through it adds to soil compaction. It should be avoided at all costs.
It is recommended to use mulch between rows of plants. This can help reduce the damage of walking on lose soil.
Using boards can also be of help. It prevents you from traipsing through the mud. While it is good for your protection, it serves even better for soil preservation.
Walking on water logged gardens also creates foot prints sunk on the loose soil. The danger is that they can also trap unnecessary water. They affect the drainage of excess water.
The walk also subjects the garden to soil erosion. It should therefore be a caution for every gardener.
Building dikes and raising soil beds
There are those gardeners living in areas with a high-water table. Using dikes is recommended to protect the garden soil. the dikes help in directing water around the crops.
Sand bags are considered the best option for building dikes. It is a good way of preventing the drowning of plants.
Raised beds also allow water to drain easily and prevents water logging. It is a good way of ensuring that plants are not overwatered. The roots stay healthy and strong. The leaves also access more oxygen that is good for growth.
Staking the plants in a garden
Staking plants is effective in protecting them. It is a good way of preventing plants from being uprooted.
The heavy rains come with force and intense winds. Staking provides important support. The plants can therefore withstand rain and the heavy winds.
Staking plants during heavy rains also promotes drainage. When the plants are well elevated, they are not easy to uproot. Such stakes including sticks and old tires provide good support.
Supported plants allows ground water to flow easily. It therefore works great to prevent overwatering.
When strong winds combine with the heavy rains, the effects on plants can be detrimental. Besides staking and raising the plants, providing the necessary support is important.
Heavy wood of rocks can be used to support these plants. They can be tied gently and thus prevent them from snapping.
Avoid growing certain types of plants during heavy rains
Not all plants can survive the heavy rains. Wisdom is called upon in selection of plants for such seasons. There are plants that cannot handle a lot of water.
Among these plants include vegetables. Kales, Cabbages, Broccoli, and Turnips are among the examples. As a gardener, these are the plants to avoid planting.
It is necessary that you chose the right plants for these seasons. Avoiding these delicate plants is recommended. But there are plants that can withstand heavy rains. Without such knowledge gardeners may not make the right choices.
There are also plants that cannot withstand excess water. These are plants that easily wither when overwatered. These plants do badly outdoor during heavy rains. Avoid them at all cost to prevent further loss.
Avoid digging in wet soil
There is a perception that wet soils are favorable for digging. Some gardeners take advantage of the lose soil for their planting.
But this is a big mistake that should be avoided. Digging on wet soils exposes the garden to further erosion. Lose soil also risks the draining of important minerals.
Avoid digging in wet soils to reduce soil compaction. When soil is disturbed and pounded by heavy rains compaction increases. The pore spaces are reduces thus limiting flow of air. Without sounding technical, it reduces the soil quality.
Do not ignore your plants
Gardeners have a habit of ignoring plants especially during heavy rain seasons. Just because they do not need watering, ignoring the plants is wrong.
It is during such times that slugs are abundant. There are also other pests that attack plants during heavy rains.
These slugs feed on the decaying plants. Ensure that you handpick the slugs or spray to kill them. It is also good to monitor any diseases on plants.
This is a time when many plants suffer the risks of diseases. Discoloration on foliage is a warning sign. The wilting of leaves and rotting of stems is also a red flag.
The plants may easily with and die if not monitored. The assumption that they are well watered should be avoided. Flowery plants are at a greater risk. Monitoring them helps in making decisions on how best to protect them.
Overall, there is a lot to do during heavy rains. Most of the work is on preventing soil erosion. It is also necessary to ensure adequate drainage is in place.
This is also a season that exposes many plants to diseases. Therefore, taking all the measures to prevent harm on the plants is necessary.