It is no surprise that plants love rain. After all, what’s better than some refreshing natural irrigation? While the monsoon brings respite for your plants after a scorching summer, it is crucial to keep in mind that heavy rains might do more harm than good. Excessive rainwater, if not properly drained from the soil, can be detrimental to the plants’ health. In this article, we will have a look at the problems that heavy rains might cause in plants and explore some tips to keep your plants in the best of health during this season.
See also: How to create monsoon-friendly outdoor space?
Problems caused in plants by heavy rains
Heavy rainfall can cause several issues in plants. Following are some of them:
Waterlogging and root rot
Excessive water quantity in the soil can drown the plant roots by cutting off their oxygen supply, thereby causing the plant to die. Prolonged waterlogging, even in small quantities, can be a cause of root rot, that leads to the decaying of the roots due to fungal infection.Â
Soil erosion and nutrient loss
The topsoil is the most nutrient-rich layer of soil. It can be harmful for the plant if this layer is washed away by heavy rains. Moreover, excess water causes the essential nutrients of the soil to leach out, making them unavailable to plants.
Physical damage
The force of heavy rainfall can cause damage to the part of the plant, such as stem breakage, leaf damage and flowers to fall off prematurely. In extreme cases, they might lead to uprootingÂ
the entire plant, especially if the root system is not fully developed.
Increased disease risk
Wet conditions caused by heavy rains might fester fungal and bacterial diseases, such as powdery mildew, downy mildew and blight. Additionally, should the soil get splattered onto the plant leaves, it might cause the spread of soil-borne pathogens.
Reduced pollination
When flowers get damaged due to heavy rains, it reduces the reproductive ability of the plant by not attracting pollinators, especially since rainy weather anyway witnesses low pollinator activity by bees and butterflies.
Reduced photosynthesis
Waterlogged roots impact the chlorophyll production in plants, causing chlorosis, wherein the leaves turn yellow from green. This can further cause the leaves to get damaged and not be able to perform photosynthesis effectively.
Compacted soil
If the clay content in soil increases, a situation very common during heavy rains, the soil tends to get compacted. Such soil has reduced aeration and drainage abilities that can cause hindrance to root growth.
Delayed growth and development
Due to poor root function and nutrient uptake, waterlogged conditions tend to stunt plant growth and delay development. Moreover, overly wet soil conditions are not conducive to germination, causing seeds to rot before sprouting or failing to sprout altogether.
Pest problems
Snails and slugs are pests that thrive in moist environments. Heavy rains might cause a pest infestation that can cause damage to the plants.
Tips to protect your plants from heavy rains
While heavy rains might pose problems for your plants, there are some steps you can take to protect them during this season. Here’s what you can do:
Improve drainage
A simple way to ensure water does not accumulate around your plants is to elevate the garden bed so that the water drains away. Further, focus on absorbing any excess water by applying a layer of organic mulch around the plants and preventing compaction. Prepare the soil for the season by adding suitable organic matter that improves soil structure and drainage capabilities.
Plant protection
Securely anchored lightweight row covers or plastic sheeting can help shield plants from the impact of heavy rains. For tall, delicate plants, consider using stakes, trellises or cages to prevent them from being battered by rain and wind. Hedges or temporary barriers can help reduce wind impact on plants.
Erosion control
Ground cover plants hold the soil in place and reduce the impact of heavy rains, thereby protecting the soil from getting eroded. To prevent soil from washing away from slopes, consider using erosion control fabric for stability.
Water management
French drains or trenches filled with gravel can help redirect excess water away from garden beds. Waterlogging can be prevented by collecting and storing rainwater in barrels that can be used for watering plants later during dry periods.
Soil care
Use a garden fork or aeration tool to aerate the soil regularly and maintain its ability to absorb water and nutrients. In fallow areas, consider planting cover crops to improve soil structure and prevent erosion.
Maintenance practices
Improve air circulation by pruning dense foliage to reduce the risk of fungal infection and trim back overgrown plants to prevent breakage. Keep the garden weed-free as they compete for nutrients and water and also hinder air circulation.
Disease prevention
Maintaining proper spacing between plants can improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal infections. In areas vulnerable to catching infections, preventive application of fungicides by following label instructions is recommended. It is also crucial to maintain proper sanitation by cleaning up fallen leaves and debris that might lead to the spread of diseases.
Protect containers
Make sure pots and containers have adequate drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating. Avoid placing containers on the ground and consider using pot feet or bricks to raise the level, allowing easy drainage of excess water. It is recommended to move potted plants indoors during heavy rainfall to prevent the impact as much as possible.
FAQs
How can I improve drainage in my garden?
Some simple ways to improve drainage include raising the plants beds, adding compost or sand to the soil, mulching to absorb excess water and installing French drains to redirect water.
What can I do to prevent soil erosion during heavy rains?
Consider planting ground cover plants, using erosion control fabric on slopes. Mulching and terracing to prevent soil erosion.
How to protect young or delicate plants from heavy rain damage?
For young or delicate plants, use lightweight covers, stake or cage them securely for support and use tarps or plastic sheeting as temporary storm shelters.
What steps can I take to reduce fungal diseases in wet weather?
Ensure good air circulation by maintaining proper spacing, pruning regularly to reduce moisture, preventive application of fungicides and prompt removal of diseased plant material.
How can I avoid water accumulation around plants during heavy rains?
Water accumulation can be managed by using rain barrels to store excess water, digging temporary channels for diversion, elevating containers and ensuring a slight slope in beds.
What signs should I look out for that indicate rain damage in plants?
Yellowing leaves, wilting, mould and mildew and leaf drop are some warning signs you should look out for.
How can I mitigate pollination problems caused by heavy rains?
To encourage pollination, shelter the plants during rains with temporary covers to prevent the flowers from falling off and pollinate manually if needed.
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