With the heavy rainfall we are experiencing lawns and plants are showing signs of distress. Immediate attention must be given to both for their survival. Now is the time to start spiking your lawn with a gardening fork. The spike should penetrate the soil to a depth of approximately 3 to 4 inches. This is in order to allow air and water to access the roots.
Push the fork into the soil at intervals moving it back and forward to loosen the soil. For those of you who do not have proper drains, try digging temporary drains at the edges so that the excess water can drain off. Likewise, check your potted plants and clear the drainage holes that were blocked up.
It is always advisable when repotting plants to put some rocks at the bottom of the pot for good drainage. For those of you who have excess water in the yard, try raising your potted plants off the ground. This will bring immediate relief to your soggy plants.
You would also need to apply plant food to both your lawn and the plants, as the nutrients would have been leached out by the rain.
Remember, with heavy rainfall and flooding come diseases, ie, fungus and pests. It is essential that these diseases are identified early and controlled to prevent your plant collection from being devastated.
There are no short cuts; try to maintain proper control.
Until next week, happy gardening.
