Water is essential to plant life, but what happens when there is too much of a good thing, as was the case in many parts of the country and the world this summer?
Atmospheric scientists say heavy rains are now more common as storms form in an atmosphere that is warming due to climate change.
Too much water in the garden can have serious consequences, says Nick Goltz, director of the Plant Diagnostics Laboratory at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. "Flooding deprives the roots of oxygen, which leads to root rot diseases, and then the plants can't get water (and) through the leaves and vascular tissue."
In an ironic case of "water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink", flooded plants wither.
As a result, yellow, wilted leaves of the plant appear, which usually indicates the plant's need for water. But after a flood, the same drought symptoms mean that waterlogged roots cannot function in wet conditions.
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what can you do
Don't walk on mud if your lawn is flooded, and wait until the ground is almost dry before assessing the damage. Applying any weight or pressure to moist soil can apply pressure and draw more oxygen from stunted roots.
Goltz said a plant with only a few leaves showing symptoms can recover, but a plant that has completely dried out likely won't, adding that plants with strong, deep roots, such as trees and some perennials, have the best chance restoration. .
Core annuals are unhappy, he says, so they should be removed if they look unhealthy.
Plants weakened by floodwaters or otherwise stressed are more susceptible to pests and diseases, so keep an eye on them and address problems as they arise, which could be months later.
Broken tree branches should be removed immediately, but as conditions improve, continue heavy pruning to prevent further weakening of an already stressed tree.
Are fruits and vegetables safe to eat?
Fruits, vegetables and herbs submerged in water should be considered contaminated and should not be eaten.
"If the part you're eating comes into contact with water, it's dangerous," even if it's been washed or cooked, "because in addition to bacteria from standing water, runoff from nearby yards, pesticides, sewage, and chemical contaminants can be present. ." ". - said Goltz. .
However, if your yard is flooded and the edible part of the plant isn't above ground, "then it's edible," Goltz said. "It's generally safe to eat a whole tomato that's growing on a vine ... (but not) a watermelon that's sitting on the ground. Even so, it's best to be careful when handling tomatoes, washing and cooking, not eat it raw."
Goltz says that if you're mourning your lost garden, "most of the time you can plant a short crop in waterlogged soil." Fast-growing plants such as beans and peas are likely to germinate by the end of the growing season. "Or you can grow a cover crop, like alfalfa, which will control erosion and also fix nitrogen in the (probably depleted) soil."
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After meeting the needs of your plants, keep an eye on the flooded soil, which also needs care. Flooding causes nutrient leaching and can disrupt drainage. Mixing in compost will help in both cases, and sand will also improve drainage.
Goltz recommends bringing or sending a soil sample to your local Cooperative Service or Land Tenure University to find out what nutrients or amendments need to be added and if the soil pH needs to be adjusted. They can also test for heavy metals and other contaminants if you have reason to be concerned.
Prepare for the next flood
If you live in a flood-prone area, you can take steps to avoid or at least minimize future damage, such as growing vegetables on higher ground or in raised beds. Goltz also recommends digging ditches or installing French drains to keep water out of the plants you care about most.
What's gardening without digging? Your key to growing better vegetables with less effort
What is the no-dig method of gardening?
No-dig gardening is a simple and effective way to grow plants without digging or tilling the soil. Charles Dowding and his supporters follow this strategy and point out that soil disturbance can actually lead to nutrient depletion.
While traditional horticultural practices recommend digging up the soil each fall to aerate it, no-dig advocates believe that leaving natural organic matter on the surface results in improved plant quality and quantity.
How can a beginner start a garden without digging?
If you've put less effort into growing the best succulents you love, spring is the perfect time to start a no-dig garden. Although some initial setup is required, the process is easier than you might think.
First, you should put cardboard or newspaper on the ground to smother any weeds or weeds that are present. Then add a thick layer of compost or compost on top to provide nutrients and improve soil structure. Then add organic material such as straw, leaves or hay. It works as a mulch in traditional gardens, retaining moisture, regulating soil temperature and suppressing weed growth.
Once your layers are in place, you can poke small holes in the top to plant your seeds. The roots work through the mulch into nutrient-rich compost, breaking down organic matter and enriching the soil as it grows.
What are the pros and cons of no-dig gardening?
If you've had success with conventional gardening in the past, you may be hesitant to try Dowding's no-dig method. These are the pros and cons to consider before you get started.
Advantages of no-dig gardening:
Reduced physical effort: No-dig gardening requires much less effort than traditional digging and plowing methods, making it an excellent choice for people with limited mobility.
Fewer weeds: A first layer of cardboard or newspaper and natural mulch suppresses weeds without the use of weed killer chemicals.
Healthy, nutrient-rich soil. Fans of no-dig gardening love the rich soil this method creates. This method supports a healthy soil ecosystem that contains beneficial organisms such as earthworms.
Less watering: A no-drip top layer of your lawn will help conserve moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Disadvantages of no-dig gardening:
Initial Preparation: While a no-dig garden requires less maintenance than traditional methods, the initial preparation, including collecting organic matter and waiting for the layers to decompose, can take some time.
Shallow planting depth: Shallow soil in a no-dig garden offers limited planting depth, so it's best to choose plants that don't root too deeply.
Slugs or Slugs: The moist environment of a burrowing garden is ideal for plants, but it's also a favorite spot for slugs and snails. Planting natural repellants such as garlic and chives can help control pests.
Should you start a garden without digging?
If you're tired of spending hours digging and plowing your garden every year, a no-dig garden can be a great solution. Because of soil depth limitations, it is better to choose plants with shallow roots. Summer and winter squash, cabbage, Swiss chard, onions, garlic, beets, radishes, and watercress are generally easy choices for beginners. You should also have organic materials such as leaves, straw, hay and compost to create layers.
Overall, no-dig gardening is a good option for growers who find traditional methods physically challenging, or for those who prefer an organic approach. If this is you, now is the time to start harvesting colorful summer crops.
Jessica Damiano writes a weekly newsletter and regular gardening column for the AP. Sign up here to get gardening tips and advice delivered to your inbox every week.
