Wet Weather Gardening

Wet weather is part and parcel of gardening in the UK, but changes to the climate in recent years suggest that heavier and prolonged bouts of rainfall will become a common occurrence. There are numerous problems that wet weather can cause in the garden.

Waterlogged soil

When soil is waterlogged, plants literally drown. Water fills all the air spaces between the soil particles and this prevents oxygen from reaching the roots. In turn, this causes the soil to stagnate and prevents root growth.

Symptoms:

• plants may look like they need water because symptoms include yellowing leaves that wither and drop off. Wilting of the plant may also occur
• the surface of the soil is soaking wet with puddles on it
• when lifted, the plant roots are black, soft and soggy, and the soil smells of rotten eggs
• plant growth is stunted or plants fail to sprout and shoots die back

Whatever the weather, it is vitally important to have the right basic tools to garden with.

You can find more information on wet weather gardening here