3 Steps to Minimize Flood Damage in the Garden

IF you’ve got been by a flood, one flawed transfer after the water has subsided may make the scenario worse. To reduce backyard flood harm, comply with these steps:

1. Establish the survivors

Most crops, except for seedlings and new transplants, can stand up to flooding for as much as every week. When standing water lasts longer, nevertheless, issues can happen. Standing water prevents air from reaching plant roots, and with out oxygen, crops drown.
If the foliage seems wilted days after the water subsides, the plant will seemingly die from root harm. Anticipate to chop down a tree that appears useless, although. Its crown could also be naked of leaves the next spring, an indication that the tree is on the mend.

two. Handle excessive salt ranges

Brackish water poses extra threats. After the floodwater recedes, the salt left behind can suck moisture out of the plant’s roots and stop them from absorbing water. To decrease soil sodium degree, give crops 1 to 2 inches of recent water per week
for about two months and apply plaster, which loosens the salt from the soil particles. Your native extension heart may help you establish how a lot plaster to make use of. Proceed to water as usually as you’ll be able to (with out inflicting one other flood), and remember that extra salt within the soil can hurt future salt-sensitive crops.

Freshwater flooding may improve the quantity of sodium within the soil, though to a lesser extent. After any flood scenario, it’s best to cease fertilizing for a month. This observe permits rain and irrigation to normalize salt ranges and offers the crops time to recuperate earlier than directing vitality into creating new development.

3. Repair soil compaction

Days of standing water will compact the soil. Aerating the grass and backyard may help alleviate the scenario. Additionally take into account tilling 2 to three inches of compost into the soil to loosen the soil and put together it for planting. Simply you should definitely let the soil dry out first; digging in too shortly after a flood will harm the soil construction.

Jeff Gillman, creator of The reality about natural gardening, is an affiliate professor of horticulture on the College of Minnesota in St. Paul.