Rainfall has been hitting the UK hard over the last month and is predicted to continue further over the coming weeks. Although the rain will be making lawns luscious and green, plants and other elements in your garden will need protecting from extreme rainfall, which can be difficult, especially if you are caught off guard.
To help rescue your garden from any existing rain damage, and to futureproof your plants, gardening expert Jack Sutcliffe from Power Sheds has revealed his top tips.
Assess for plant damage
Heavy rains and thunderstorms can cause significant plant damage. If only a few leaves have been damaged, remove them and stake plants that have bent over from the force of the rain to support them.
It is also worth checking the base of the plants to see if soil erosion has exposed roots. If so, add fresh soil or compost as exposed roots can dry out and seriously harm or kill your plant.
Check for snails and slugs
Snails and slugs thrive in moist environments, and you’ll often see them on sidewalks and driveways after it rains. Their feeding makes irregular holes in leaves and flowers, and they leave behind a slimy trail. You can handpick slugs or set up traps to get rid of them.
A beer trap is a simple and inexpensive approach to get rid of slugs. Pour an inch of beer into an empty jar and then bury the jar in the ground up to its neck, leaving about an inch above the ground. Slugs are attracted to the odour and fermentation gases found in beer, where they will crawl into the jar and drown.
Pull those weeds
Weeds can become very prolific during rainy weather and choke your plants and vegetables. While the ground is soft, get outside and pull out those weeds as the soil is easier to move and the roots will slide out with less resistance.
Check on your potted plants
Potted plants may need extra attention depending on their drainage. Be sure to drain standing pots and planters in your garden that have received excessive soaking to avoid root rot.
If the drainage holes on the existing pot are suitable then you can reuse it, otherwise use a new pot with additional holes.
Reuse any collected rainwater
During showers, rainwater may collect in any uncovered watering cans or pots. Rainwater contains more nitrogen than tap water, as it is free from hard water elements and is the correct pH for the majority of plants.
It can be worth saving and watering your plants with this water once the rain stops to reduce the use of tap water and give your garden more nutrients.
To protect your garden from further showers:
Protect your plants
During a storm, potted plants must be placed safely in the house, garage or shed. Planters that are too heavy should be moved close together and close to the wall to protect them from the elements. If you have very tall plants, try placing these on their side and interlocking them with others to protect them.
Seal any holes
Inspect the roof of your shed or garden building, for any or holes and gaps that may have formed over time. If you find any, get them sealed up. Windows also need to be well sealed to stop any moisture getting in and to protect the shed from condensation.
Fertilise your plants
If rain is expected over the coming days, then sprinkle fertiliser around the base of your plants. The rain will help it penetrate the soil so it can reach the roots faster, making for optimal absorption.
If you found 5 expert tips to rescue your garden after heavy rainfall interesting, you’ll find more tips for maintaining your garden in wet weather on our Gardening channel.
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