Crying in the rain Too much moisture can be bad news
Gene Kelly may have been singing in the rain, but Western Pennsylvania gardeners are crying in the rain!
“Rain, rain, go away, come again some other day” is the chorus we have been singing for the past few weeks.
The National Weather Service reports that 2018 was the wettest year on record, with a total of 57.83 inches of precipitation. So far this spring and summer, the trend seems to be continuing.
The general rule of thumb is that plants need roughly one inch of rain a week. Too much rain, however, can cause plenty of problems in the garden.
Heavy rain leads to erosion and soil compaction. Plants droop and roots can begin to rot when excess water reduces the air spaces in the soil.
Heavy rainstorms can also leach valuable nutrients from the soil profile and the lack of sunlight can slow the rate of photosynthesis resulting in lower oxygen production. High humidity and lack of air circulation can result in the decline of evaporation from leaves which can increase the risk of fungal disease.
Lastly, extreme wet weather typically inhibits the effectiveness of pollinators during full bloom stage resulting in adverse fruit yields.
Although we cannot stop the rain, here are a few helpful measures to minimize the effects of saturated soil in landscapes and gardens.When gardening with containers, select pots and planters with drain holes to avoid flooding or drill holes in the bottom to promote water flow.Tip pots to pour off pooled surface water, and place pots on an elevated, vented surface to drain excess water.Consider delaying or curtailing gardening activities when the soil is saturated. Also avoid digging, working and walking in these conditions until the garden has had time to drain properly to prevent soil compaction.
Pull weeds when the soil is moist, but not saturated, as this increases the chances of removing the entire root. Remember to turn the compost to promote adequate drainage.Proper landscaping plays a critical role in managing rain overflow. Make sure there is proper slope away from the garden and monitor water flow. Trenching or redirecting water may also be necessary.Plants require additional care and observation with the excess of rain. Monitor plants for signs of disease, paying particular attention for fungal diseases.Stake taller plants to protect them from heavy rain and wind. Make sure plants do not have exposed roots from heavy downpours and re-cover as needed with soil and compost.
If replacing plants becomes necessary, select native plants that have adapted to the local climate and choose cultivars that are resistant to fungal diseases if possible. Consider planting in raised beds if soil is consistently saturated.Rain is generally a good thing when it comes to growing plants. However, too much rain can ruin your gardening efforts and prohibit plants from growing to their full potential.Don't let Mother Nature stifle your optimism and gardening enjoyment. Use some of the above recommendations to cope with wet weather.Sing a song of sunshine and enjoy those few sunny days.Mary Reefer is a Penn State Extension Master Gardener in Butler County.
