Rain is a funny thing - there is either too much or too little, but rarely just the right amount.
After a short walk in my garden this morning, I am dreadfully aware that I am bordering on the too much side. In my case, my builder chose to bring in about 5 inches of fill dirt to cover the clay, which means poor drainage. When it rains like it has in the past couple of weeks the top layer of soil becomes saturated and I end up wading in some spots.
If you are lucky enough to have good soil and a well drained lot, I’m jealous. For the rest of us with poor, compacted soil, bad drainage, low lying conditions or a propensity to forget to turn off the hose, guilt may make you wonder:
How the water affects the plants:
When soil remains saturated for extended periods the roots are deprived of oxygen. With the root system damaged the plant cannot regulate its moisture needs, moisture continues to be lost through its leaves. Sadly our plants begin to show signs of damage: wilting foliage, blossom drop and blossom-end rot of some fruits.
As lack of oxygen continues ethylene gas build-ups in the soil causing additional root damage, and the plant leaves and stem will droop suddenly, especially near the top of the plant.
If the soil dries quickly and oxygen returns to the roots most plants will comeback, although it will take time for new roots to grow. The plant may continue to exhibit the signs of damage until the new roots have grown strong.
To assist your garden in recovering from too much rain or even forgetting to turn off the sprinkler fertilizing the soil around your plants may just the trick. Check with your local nursery for the best solution.
Chances are our gardens will recover from the downpours we have been experiencing. It normally does I only want my readers to be aware of the processes involved in overwatering and to let you know that we all experience it in some way.
There are also other long term solutions to drainage issues, in my case I could bring in load of good fill dirt, add a drainage system, for many of these I would advise bringing in a qualified landscaper, as there a number of city codes that must be adhered to.
Additionally you could also begin to think about those days when there isn’t enough water in your garden. Have you considered rainwater collection?
Just something to think about…
Comments
Great article. Another idea for continually wet areas is to install a rain garden.
Jackie DiGiovanni
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