Garden boss Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk has shared his top tips for protecting plants and keeping gardens thriving even in wet and unpredictable weather. We have already seen a fair share of downpours, and with more rainy spells expected this autumn, gardens face the risk of waterlogged soil, damaged roots and plants, and an increased chance of disease.
While rain is usually welcome, too much of it can quickly undo all your hard work outdoors. The good news is there are practical steps to both prepare for heavy rain and rescue plants that have already been affected. Some plants, like ferns and hostas, can handle wetter conditions with ease, but more delicate species need extra attention during heavy rain.
Bedding plants, such as tender perennials, and young plants are especially vulnerable to being battered by heavy downpours or sitting in waterlogged soil. Their roots can quickly rot, and fragile stems may snap without extra protection.
To prevent waterlogging, it’s important to pay close attention to the condition of the soil. If beds are already saturated, gently aerating the ground with a garden fork can help water drain more freely, and it’s also recommended to add organic matter like compost or bark chippings to improve structure.
Here are the tips from Chris Bonnett on how to protect plants from heavy downpours this autumn:
Provide shelter
Delicate and younger plants will benefit from extra protection during heavy downpours. Use tarpaulin, or fleece and crop covers to shield them from heavy rain. If they’re in pots, move them inside or to a sheltered spot such as a shed or garage.
Check for waterlogging
Too much rain can leave the soil waterlogged, starving roots of oxygen. Keep an eye out for puddles forming around your plants or signs of wilting. Gently aerating the ground with a garden fork helps water drain away more effectively.
Add organic matter
To prepare your soil, dig in organic matter such as compost or bark chippings. This not only helps water filter through the soil more effectively, but also improves its structure and provides valuable nutrients for your plants.
Support taller plants
Taller plants are likely to become more delicate and snap after heavy rain. Consider using wooden or metal stakes to help keep the plant upright until it regains its strength.
Raise the beds
If your garden is prone to flooding, consider creating raised beds to lift plants above ground level. This prevents roots from sitting in saturated soil and gives you more control over drainage.
Check vegetable roots
When heavy rainfall occurs, it can sometimes lead to soil erosion, which can expose the roots of vegetables. Check your vegetable roots and recover any that are exposed with some compost or soil to prevent them from drying out.