The Met Office has issued warnings about heavy rain and thunderstorms, prompting gardeners to take action to protect their outdoor spaces. In a weather warning issued this morning, the Met Office stated: "Whilst most places will miss them, scattered thunderstorms may break out this afternoon and early evening. Where storms do occur, heavy rain, large hail, gusty winds and frequent lightning are all possible, with 15 to 30 mm of rain falling in a short space of time in a few places." Although London and parts of southern England are expected to remain in extreme heat this weekend, the shift to more unsettled conditions means many homeowners may need to rethink recent garden changes made to cope with the hot weather. Preparing now could help minimise damage if heavy downpours and strong winds worsen.
1. Stay Off the Grass
Avoiding your grass when wet is vital to protect grass blades and the composition underneath. Adding weight can cause damage and result in essential air, water, and nutrients struggling to reach the roots. This is shown by stunted growth and bare spots.
2. Clear Gutters and Drainpipes
Clearing gutters of leaves, moss and debris can be crucial in preventing them from getting blocked when the rain hits. If these are left there, gutters and drainpipes may see serious water overflow which can end up running down walls.
3. Harvest
Torrential rain can damage early summer crops, so picking ripe fruits or produce before it arrives can help you make the most of it. Experts at Good Housekeeping said: "Strawberries, cherries, lettuce and other seasonal favourites may become waterlogged, split or start to rot if left exposed to prolonged downpours." They added: "It's also worth checking raised beds and containers afterwards, as warm, wet conditions can encourage fungal diseases and slug activity."
4. Move Garden Furniture
It may be easy to forget to move garden furniture, but items like cushions and lightweight pots can get damaged in stormy weather. These can be placed temporarily indoors, in a garden shed or garage.
5. Aerate the Soil
The experts said: "Aerating your soil using a garden fork can be a really helpful thing to prevent water from pooling on the surface and help it to penetrate the soil. But, give it a few days before attempting, so it is not sopping wet, and make sure to only do so if you're able to access the lawn without treading too badly on it." Rocking the handle of the garden fork slightly can help Brits find more space for drainage.
6. Protect Your Plants
When heavy rain hits, it can result in weak branches falling and damaging whatever may be lying below them. Therefore, it's worth cutting any prune dead, diseased or weak branches that might be hanging over something delicate. Good Housekeeping added: "Heavy downpours can also flatten flowers and damage vegetable crops. Stake taller plants, tie in climbing plants and consider temporary covers for delicate inhabitants."
