Weekly Planting Guide: What To Do If Your Garden Gets Washed Out

Have You Power Washed Your Home?

Many of us in the South might have already planted our spring garden, while those in areas like the Midwest and Northeast are getting ready to sow their seeds or might be raising young plants indoors.

However, continued volatile spring weather across parts of the South and Midwest combined with cooler than usual temperatures in the Northeast mean that garden plans are likely to be a wash this weekend.

First, let’s talk about those temps. Highs in parts of the Northeast may struggle to get out of the 40s, meaning it’s not an ideal time to set young seedlings outside.

Now, the rain. This is a serious situation for many areas. Through the weekend, that includes the Lower Mississippi Valley through the Mid-South and Ohio Valley.

• Heavy rain can drown young seedlings and potentially wash seeds out of the soil.
• Make sure your garden plot or containers are away from eaves and drain spouts where they could be inundated even during a short rainfall.
• The good news is, this early in the season, you can replant once the soil has fully drained. Experts at the Penn State Extension recommend waiting until the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are completely dry. You can help make that happen faster if you are able to dig drainage channels in and around your plot.
• The bad news: Once your garden is established, flooding can cause much more damage.
• And because floodwaters can contain dangerous contaminants including sewage and chemicals, it’s recommended that you dispose of many types of produce if they come into contact with it. That includes things that are typically eaten raw, like lettuce and other salad greens, as well as melons and soft fruits like berries.
• Making sure your garden has good drainage to begin with is key to protecting it from spring rainfall.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM

-Your Spring Gardening Guide

-How To Protect Plants From An Early Spring Cold Snap

-Spring-Proof Your Home With This Checklist

Weather.com senior writer Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.