After weeks of low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures, the UK is finally set to receive some wet weather. Outbreaks of rain are expected in Northern Ireland, Scotland, western England and Wales, with more unsettled conditions and thunderstorms forecast later in the week.
While your garden may be in desperate need of water, an expert has revealed several things to do before the heavens open. Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), shares his top tips for preparing your garden to absorb sudden storms.
Clear Gutters and Loosen Soil
Start by ensuring all water butts, pipes, and gutters are clear and ready to accept whatever rain may come. Next, turn your attention to the soil, which after weeks of drought will have become dusty, compacted, and water repellent.
To help it better absorb water, Barter advises loosening compacted soil with a fork or spade. However, this does not apply to clay soils, which should be left alone. 'Clay soils develop alarming cracks in dry weather,' he explains. 'In effect they are, rather conveniently, digging themselves. Don’t attempt to fill in cracks with sand or soil. Excess rain here just runs into the cracks and is gone. The soil then swells, and the cracks disappear until the next period.'
Soaking Process and Watering Advice
Apply coarse mulch such as bark and woodchips to bare soil to aid the soaking process, but leave areas around trees and plants as they are, so water can go straight to the roots. The plants don’t need additional help, as foliage will collect rain, which gets channelled down the trunk or stem and into the roots.
According to Barter, it’s best to suspend watering until the storms have passed, because wet soil has no room to accommodate more water. 'With luck the rain will be enough to limit the need to resume watering, but in truth several wet days will be needed to do that,' he says.
Avoid Mowing Grass
Resist the urge to mow long, dried grass, as Barter claims this would be a mistake. 'Taller grass is good at stopping water run-off, and immobile water can overcome the water-repellent properties of turf in time,' he explains. He also advises against cutting back perennials before it rains, and says to leave spent vegetable plants alone to help protect the soil and wildlife.
