3 Tips For Rainy Season
The rainy season has been officially open for several months now, but recently have we seen a significant increase in rainfall. With the heavier rainfall upon us, there are several things to consider for the heath of your plants. While these are not the only factors to keep in mind, we’ve highlighted three key tips that are crucial for preventing major issues. Ignoring these can lead to serious problems for your plants heath and survival.
- CHECK YOUR DRAINAGE
Excessive rain can quickly lead to waterlogged soil, which is a plant’s worst enemy! Saturated soil starves the roots of oxygen, leading to root rot and other fungal diseases. Before downpours, inspect your plant pots and garden beds to ensure they have proper drainage.
- Potted Plants: Make sure the drainage holes at the bottom of your pots are not clogged. If you’ve been using a pot saucer, consider removing it during the heavy rain to allow water to flow freely and not let it sit in water. If your soil mix is dense, consider repotting wet a more porous mix that includes pearlite or course sand to improve aeration and drainage.
- Garden Pots: Observe how water flows in your garden. If you notice puddles forming and lingering for hours after a downpour, your soil may be compacted or your landscape may need to be redirected. You can improve this by aerating the soil with a garden fork or by adding organic matter like compost, which helps to create a better soil structure and improves drainage over time. In come cases, creating a small channel or adjusting the grade of the soil may be necessary to redirect excess water away from your plant.
2. ADJUST YOUR WATERING SCHEDULE
This might seem obvious, but it’s a common mistake many plant owners make. With the increased rainfall, your plants may not need any additional watering at all. Overwatering is. one of the quickest ways ti kill a plant, as it can lead to root rot and create a breeding ground for pests and diseases. The high humidity that accompanies rainy weather acts like a natural brake on our indoor plant’s water consumption, making it essential to reduce the frequency of your watering. This is because the humid air slows down transpiration, the process by which plant release water vapour, meaning they use less water and the soil stays moist for longer.
Weather your plants are outdoor receiving direct rainfall or indoors experiencing the rise in humidity, always check the soil’s moisture level before watering. Stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil, if it feels moist, wait to water. The soil may appear dry on the surface but can be soaked just below. Let the rain do the work for you, and be mindful to observe your soil and make the necessary watering adjustments.
3. CHECK FOR SLUGS & SNAILS
The rainy season creates a perfect, moist environment for slugs and snails to thrive. These common garden pests can cause significant damage in a short space of time, chewing late, irregular holes in leaves and on stems.
- Regular Inspections: Make it a routine to check your plants, especially young seedlings and tender leaves, in the early morning or evening when these pests are most active. Look on the underside of leaves, in the fold of a plant, and at the base of stems.
- Purchase Slug & Snail Bait: For a more direct approach, many commercial baits are highly effective. These baits are formulated with an attractant and a substance that kills slugs and snails when ingested. Look for products containing phosphate, as these are generally considered safer for pets, wildlife and beneficial insects than baits that use a metaldehyde.
- Manual Removal: One of the most effective methods is to manually remove. You can pick them off your plants and dispose of them, or set up traps like a shadow dish of beer sunk into the soil. Slugs and snails are attracted to the yeast and will drown.
While checking for drainage, adjusting your watering schedule, and guarding against pests are three critical steps, the rainy season demands a little extra vigilance. Don’t forget to also monitor for fungal diseases like powdery mildew, black spots, or rust which thrive in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around your plants by spacing them out to help prevent these issues. Additionally, provide adequate sunlight, as the frequent clouds can block essential light needed for photosynthesis. By being proactive and paying close attention to these factors, you can help your plants not just survive, but flourish through the wet and wonderful rainy season.