February tends to be the wettest month in our region. While the rains provide cooling relief from the steamy weather, they can create havoc in the garden. Fungal diseases, nutrient leaching, pests, root rot and weeds can take hold when soils get soggy. Here are our top tips for a garden that survives and thrives this wet season.
Choose plants suitable to the climate
Design a garden that suits our climate so your plants will cope well with wet seasons. Local natives are always a good option as they have adapted to thrive in our conditions. You’ll also be nurturing habitat and food for wildlife, rather than pests. Tropical plants also thrive in steamy, wet conditions. Don’t forget to include a few ornamentals such as Heliconia and Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise).
Mediterranean plants such as lavender, rosemary and olive trees tend not to respond well to consistently soggy soil. The best way to grow them in our climate is in a well-drained pot.
Manage wet soil
Prolonged wet weather can lead to overly wet soil. If the water takes too long to drain roots can drown. This can be particularly bad if the rains follow a long drought. Plants that have survived can often drop dead as they cannot cope with the sudden inundation of water. Potted plants can also react badly to too much water.
Drainage is important in very wet areas. Consider installing extra surface and sub-surface drainage. Raised garden beds can also be a good solution. If you notice water pooling in certain areas, it is usually a sign that the soil has become compacted. A good digging to let some air in can help.
Stay on top of diseases
Stay on top of any root rot or soil-borne diseases during the wet season. Regular seaweed treatments can also help plants to survive better. Remove any mulches built around plant stems and trunks as they can carry disease. Remove dead and rotting foliage from perennials.
Fungal diseases are common during persistent wet weather. These include rust, blight, mildew, black spot and sooty mould. This can be exacerbated by the humidity we get at this time of the year as the plants don’t have the opportunity to dry off.
Deal with pests and weeds
Pests and weeds love the wet conditions. Make sure you keep on top of them. Regular hoeing and manual weeding before weeds take over is the best strategy.
Address nutrient loss
Constant heavy rain can leach nutrients from the soil. Wet, humid weather usually creates accelerated growth, and your plants can become deficient quickly. Liquid and pellet fertilising is important at this time of the year.
Check your mulches
Heavy rains can wash your mulches away. Mulching can protect the soil from heavy rains and help to reduce weed growth. Always ensure your garden beds have a thin layer of mulch at this time of the year.
Plateau Landscapes is your landscape and garden superstore. We have an extensive range of fertilisers, mulch and drainage solutions to weatherproof your garden.