Met Office: Sunny spells to start but rain to come
The Met Office recently said there could be “heavy showers”, thunderstorms and some “longer spells of rain” up until early August.
While plants do love lots of water, a deluge of rain could have a negative effect on certain plants and gardens.
With this in mind, Josh Novell, the director of Polhill Garden Centre, has shared what effect rain showers could have on gardens and plants and which plants are the most flood-resilient.
Josh explained: “As the UK experiences more unsettled weather, it is important to take steps to protect your garden.
“Experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding can be incredibly distressing for homeowners and gardeners. Such floods have the potential to cause irreparable harm to houses, gardens, and outdoor spaces.
READ MORE: Four ‘common’ gardening ‘mistakes’ to avoid plants ‘dying off fast’
“However, there are proactive measures you can take to protect your plants from floodwaters.
“By being prepared and taking action, you can effectively safeguard your plants from the impact of excessive rain and flooding.”
Flooding can cause damage to the roots and stems of plants which can cause disease and eventually death.
It can also cause soil erosion which can lead to decreased nutrients and reduce the fertility of the soil.
Floodwaters can also be contaminated with pollutants such as fertilisers, pesticides, or other chemicals that can be harmful to plants.
Flooding can also have a detrimental impact on soil structure, causing compaction which can make it difficult for oxygen and other nutrients to reach plant roots. For some plants, this can lead to stunted growth and even death.
If soil is wet for an extended period of time, this can cause “root rot” which weakens and decays the roots resulting in stunted growth, wilting leaves and eventually the death of the plant.
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Types of plants that are more resilient to floods
Certain types of plants are more “resilient” to flood conditions than others. Josh explained that succulents, such as cacti and aloe vera are more resilient because they can survive for long periods of time in wet soil conditions due to their thick waxy coating which helps them retain moisture.
Planting trees can also protect plants from flooding as they help absorb rainfall and provide shelter for nearby plants. Tree roots also act as anchors and will keep soil in place which minimises erosion and provides additional protection against flooding.
Josh continued: “Planting trees around your home or garden can be beneficial in other ways as well; they provide shade that can help reduce energy costs and improve air quality.
“Red maple trees or willow trees are ideal for wetter conditions and will help reduce water-logging around more delicate plants.”
Plants that should be avoided in flood-prone areas
For areas that are prone to flooding, gardeners need to be cautious when choosing what plants to plant.
Josh suggested avoiding plants that like drier climates and need well-drained soil. He suggested avoiding roses, lavender, and sunflowers.
He said: “These plants are highly sensitive to prolonged soil saturation, putting them at risk of root rot and disease.
“Selecting flood-resistant plants is vital to ensuring their long-term health and survival in flood-prone areas.”
When preparing gardens for flooding and excess rain, there are certain precautions gardeners need to take to protect their plants.
Josh added: “Developing an appropriate drainage system, adding compost and mulch, ensuring sufficient space between plants, installing water butts or rain gardens, creating a green roof, and planting trees are all effective methods for protecting your garden from flooding.
“By proactively adopting these measures, we can foster a resilient and thriving garden that can withstand the challenges posed by excess water, ensuring our plants flourish and endure in the face of adverse weather conditions in the UK.”
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