Last updated on June 22nd, 2022
Plants love monsoons as much as we do, if not more! It’s a time they look forward to, after having faced the drying heat of the summer months. You’ll also notice a big spurt in their growth during this season.
But when rains get too heavy and are accompanied by strong winds, they can damage your plants. Also, a constantly overcast sky can also mean that your plants may not be getting as much sunlight as they need.
Here are a few tips to make sure your plant babies continue to flourish before, during, and after a downpour!
1. Reduce the frequency of watering
You can reduce the frequency of watering during monsoons, as too much water during this season can lead to root rot. Just check the topsoil and water only if it looks dry or if the leaves are drooping.
2. Move your pots
If you’re expecting heavy rains, it’s wise to move your more delicate plants to an area where they are less likely to get damaged. This will help prevent soil erosion too.
3. Prop-up or cover tall and fragile plants
Your taller plants may need external support with sticks and other temporary structures during monsoons and strong winds so that they don’t snap or break. Young and fragile plants on the other hand, like vegetables and herbs, may need a waterproof cover during hard and persistent rains. You will also need to ensure the covering is slanted so that water drains away from other plants nearby.
4. Check the roots
Once it stops raining, check your plants for exposed roots and if you notice any soil erosion, cover the roots with fresh soil or compost to protect the exposed roots from drying out.
5. Loosen the topsoil
It’s important to mix up and loosen the topsoil in your plant pots to make sure the soil stays porous and the water gets absorbed properly. If the water doesn’t seep in, there’s a good chance of moss or algae forming in the pots.
6. Pull out weeds
It’s a good idea to pull out weeds after it rains and the soil becomes moist. It’ll help you remove the weed from the root without it breaking.
7. Remove dry and damaged parts
It’s a good idea to remove drying shoots and limbs from your plants to help keep your plants streamlined and make sure there’s little risk of them getting tangled or snapping during heavy rains.
8. Ensure good drainage
It’s important to ensure that there’s a good drainage system in place (which isn’t blocked) whether you have plants in pots or in the garden. And it becomes especially important in the rainy season.
Empty the water from the plates below all pots regularly. If you have a garden make sure there is a proper runoff sloping away from your garden to avoid water getting pooled and damaging the plants around it.
9. Fertilize
Heavy rains might cause your plants to lose their nutrients. This is why it is a good idea to replenish your plants’ nutrients with an organic, slow-release fertilizer.
Here’s wishing you all happy plant-parenting!
