Gardening during the rainy days

CEBU, Philippines - Now that the rainy days are here, it is time to think of ways to put the frequent showers to good use. Storing rainwater in tanks is a good idea. It is going to be very helpful when the El Niño comes around again.

It is also a good time to start planting around the house, to start a garden. “But it’s rainy season already. There’s just so much water!” some people would object. They become inundated with thoughts of their gardens submerged in runoff rainwater. 

Anne Gibson, in an article at www.themicrogardener.com, shares some practicable ideas in preparing ground space for gardening:

Have good drainage. Elevating the garden plots prevents waterlogged plant roots and anaerobic soil. If grow in containers and using vertical systems such as window boxes, topsy-turvy planters, wall-mounted or railing planters, pots on ladders and plant stands, it must be ascertained that these all drain well. Another alternative is to plant in pots on wheeled platforms that can be moved around to a more sheltered position to avoid over-soaking the plants in water when it rains.

Dig a trench or Swale: Rather than wasting valuable rainwater in heavy downpours and paying for water when it’s dry, harvest it by redirecting water to where you need it most.  Swales are a useful Permaculture design feature and are especially useful if your garden is on a slope.  By building swales on contour, they passively harvest water by slowing it down and allowing it to sit in a shallow trench to soak into the soil.   They are also useful for harvesting water for thirsty food plants like bananas and fruit trees which can be planted on top of the mounds.

Add organic matter to the soil: Adequate soil humus holds moisture like a sponge where the plants need it and is a buffer to plants under stress.  A good soil structure helps the excess moisture drain away.  It’s even more important to add organic matter like manures, leaf mould, grass clippings, compost, lucerne and other mulches to heavy clay soils that become easily waterlogged and crack when dry. 

Tie ‘em up. To reduce the risk of common diseases during wet weather, support plants with stakes and ties or other vertical structures so the foliage is not lying on wet soil.  Growing vertically increases airflow around the plant and avoids overcrowding.

Give pests a hard time. Slugs and snails thrive in wet weather, but it need not be made easy for the pests to feast on plants. Using tepees and growing vertically can make an uphill climb deterrent!  If slugs and snails have to climb a high rise for breakfast, they’re exposed so it’s much easier for birds to see their next meal!  Also, sprinkling crushed eggshells around the base of delicate seedlings – the sharp edges are like a ‘bed of nails’ for their soft slimy tummies and extremely effective at keeping them away until young plants are established.  The eggshells become very hard when baked on a tray in a slow oven for 10 minutes, and crunched perfectly into large shards by the gardener’s hand.

Have some mulch on. A layer of mulch helps in taking advantage of free rainwater as it helps retain vital moisture in the soil.  Other benefits are that it also reduces splashing which encourages plant diseases and prevents soil erosion by providing a buffer. 

Use slow-release fertilizer. Feeding the soil with trace rock minerals and slow-release granules, pellets or powdered organic fertilizers will help retain nutrients in the soil and replenish those lost to leaching during heavy rain.  The more humus there is in the soil, the less leaching will occur as it helps bind minerals. 

A foliar spray of liquid kelp/seaweed or fish emulsion is a good standby tonic to help plants bounce back quickly.

Water plants sparingly. As a general rule particularly in humid weather, avoid watering plant leaves.  Splashing creates a breeding ground for fungal spores, which cause mildews and mould diseases and can transfer them from one plant to another.

Harvest your food crops regularly. Pick edible plants promptly in humid wet weather because the longer produce stays on the vine or stalk, the higher the likelihood of spoilage, pest attack or disease.

As the produce of the garden begins to fill up the kitchen baskets, it is time to relish the ‘fruits’ of one’s labors. Thus, a good choice of plants for the garden would be those herbs and vegetables that make good ingredients for the family’s favorite dishes. Of course, plants that thrive well under overcast skies and frequent showers should be priority in planting.

But long before the rewards in the kitchen, the gardener would have had already started to enjoy the physical benefits from getting busy in the garden. Gardening can be good physical exercise, as well.