Gardeners are being urged to clear their gutters and prepare their outdoor spaces before heavy rain arrives next week. Weather data from WXCharts.com shows a large band of rain set to hit the UK on Wednesday, with gardeners being urged to take action now after weeks of dry conditions and high temperatures.
Key tasks before the downpour
Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don says that a handful of simple jobs carried out in advance could help gardens make the most of the wet weather while reducing the risk of blocked drains, standing water and flooding. One of the most important tasks is clearing leaves, moss and other debris from gutters before the rain starts.
The gardening expert has previously said keeping gutters clear is vital for anyone looking to collect rainwater. He said: “It’s becoming apparent that we all should be collecting as much rainwater as possible. And to that end, the key component in that is to make sure that all your gutters are clear of any fallen leaves, moss or debris.”
Aerate lawns and check pots
He added that when rain does arrive, the water can then be collected in troughs, water butts or tanks. Gardeners are also being advised to aerate dry lawns before a downpour. Prolonged hot and dry weather can leave soil compacted, making it harder for rainfall to soak through to grass roots.
Monty Don added: “You might've noticed that a heatwave has killed your lawn, and it's looking rather crispy. While the rain will be a welcome relief, it won't help your lawn at all if it's not aerated. A lesser-known essential lawn care tip to keep your grass green during summer is aerating it before watering and rainfall. This allows water and moisture to be properly absorbed into the soil right down to the roots of the grass.”
Advice from B&Q expert
Mark Sage, lead horticultural buyer at B&Q, agreed, advising that very dry ground can also benefit from a small amount of watering before a storm. He said: “If the ground is extremely dry, it’s also worth giving your plants some water before a storm arrives, as slightly moist soil can sometimes absorb rainfall more efficiently than soil that has baked hard in the sun.”
He also recommended removing dead growth, fallen leaves and debris from beds, drains and gutters because they can quickly cause blockages during heavy rain. Pots and hanging baskets should also be checked to make sure their drainage holes are clear, with containers raised slightly off the ground where possible.
Gardeners should also inspect dry or compacted soil and gently loosen it with a fork or aerator, allowing rainwater to penetrate rather than running straight off the surface. Mr Sage said prolonged hot weather can leave soil less able to absorb water quickly, meaning intense rainfall is more likely to pool or run off instead.
