Caring For Your Plants In Wet Weather

What to Do If Your Plants Look Like They’re Drowning

No matter if your plants are nestled in a garden border, or contained in a planter, if they seem to be struggling after heavy rain or overwatering, they may be at risk of drowning.

Here are some steps you can take to help them recover:

Move to a Shady Spot

Even if your plant prefers full sun, move it to a shady area temporarily. When the roots are waterlogged, they can’t absorb enough water to keep the plant hydrated. By placing it in the shade, you reduce the plant’s need for water, allowing the roots to focus on recovery. Once the plant shows signs of improvement, you can gradually move it back into the sun.

Check Drainage

Ensure that your pot has adequate drainage. If the pot doesn’t have drainage holes, you’ll need to either add some in the base, or repot your plant into a container that allows water to drain out.  All of Haddonstone’s cast stone traditional planters, Greek-inspired planters and contemporary planters are handmade to order with good-sized drainage holes in the base as standard.  More on drainage below…

Create Air Pockets Around the Roots

To speed up drying and improve oxygen flow to the roots, try creating additional air spaces around the root ball. Slowly tilt the planter to the side and gently tap the container until the soil loosens slightly. Carefully re-stand the pot. This should create small air gaps that help the soil dry out and allow the roots to breathe.

Repot the Plant if Possible

If your plant isn’t too large, consider repotting it in fresh soil. This provides the roots with a clean, well-draining environment to encourage new growth. Be gentle with the roots during the process to avoid further damage. If your plant is too large to repot easily, move on to the next steps.

With the right care, your plant should start to show signs of improvement within a week or so. Once it’s looking healthier and growing again, gradually return it to a sunnier spot and resume your usual plant care routine.

Improving Drainage for Waterlogged Plants in Containers

If your potted plants are suffering from waterlogging, improving drainage is key to their survival and continued growth.

Here are some simple yet effective methods to help your plants thrive:

Use Permeable Pots

Ensure that your containers have adequate drainage holes.  Did we mention that all of Haddonstone’s planters are produced with drainage holes? This allows excess water to escape rather than pooling at the base, which can cause root rot. Cast stone planters are an excellent choice as they’re naturally porous, encouraging air circulation and allowing water to evaporate more freely.

Elevate

Elevating pots and containers on planter feet can also help by preventing them from sitting directly on a wet surface, further improving drainage.

Add Organic Matter

Improving the soil structure within the pot can make a significant difference. If your soil is too dense or clay-heavy, mix in organic matter like compost along with horticultural grit. This not only loosens the soil, allowing water to drain more effectively, but also helps with aeration and root health.

Move Containers

If your planters are small enough to move, adjust their location according to the weather. During periods of heavy rain, moving your pots under cover or to a higher surface will prevent waterlogging. By giving your plants a chance to dry out, you’ll avoid potential damage caused by excess moisture.

By adopting these strategies, you can ensure better drainage for your potted plants, keeping them healthy even during wet weather.

Reduce the Risk of Disease and Infection During Heavy Downpours

During heavy rain, plants are particularly vulnerable to disease and infection. One simple yet effective way to protect your plants is by providing them with stakes and ties.

Vertical climbing supports help keep plants upright, preventing them from lying on the wet soil where they are more prone to rot, mildew, and other fungal infections. Not only does this method keep your plants dry, but it also improves airflow around the foliage, reducing the risk of overcrowding, which can lead to disease.

After the downpour, take some time to inspect your garden for any plants that may be struggling. Look for signs of disease or damage and promptly remove any broken or decaying parts to maintain plant health.

Many plants might appear bent or flattened after a heavy rainfall. However, if they haven’t snapped, they will usually regain their shape on their own.

For smaller trees that seem unstable, consider staking them temporarily until their root systems become firmly re-established in the soil. This extra support will help them recover quickly and stay resilient in the face of future storms.

And Finally, a Word on Fertilisers and Fungicides…

Avoid Fertilising During Recovery

When a plant is stressed or recovering, fertilising can do more harm than good. The root system, already in a weakened state, may struggle to absorb nutrients, and adding fertiliser could overwhelm it or even lead to further damage.

Instead, give your plant time to heal and recover its strength. Once you begin to notice signs of new growth, such as fresh leaves or shoots, it’s safe to gradually reintroduce fertiliser into your care routine.

Start slowly, using a diluted solution, and monitor the plant’s response to ensure it’s ready to take on additional nutrients.

Consider a Natural Fungicide Treatment

Waterlogged conditions create a breeding ground for fungal infections, which can pose a serious threat to a plant’s health.

If you notice any signs of rot or disease, it might be worth treating your plant with a natural fungicide to prevent or manage infection.

Natural fungicides can be safer and more effective than chemical treatments, and can be made from common household ingredients such as a baking soda and water spray solution.

Make sure you research the best treatment for your particular plants first, to avoid harming them further.

Are you ready for autumn?

If this collection of autumn-themed blogs has inspired you, then why not have a look at the wide range of cast stone designs in our range?

Our extensive range of high-quality cast stone planters, water features, statuary, bird baths and much more are all:

• Handmade to order
• Available to purchase online
• Frost-proof and very durable.

Explore our range for yourself, pick up the phone, or send us an email and let us know what you’re looking for.

Our friendly and experienced team will be more than happy to assist.

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