You want steady rain to keep your crops healthy.You definitely don't want heavy rains that can damage or drown your plants.Farmers have been able to protect their crops for thousands of years with some easy tricks.Try to keep your garden in tip-top shape with these tips.
Step 1: There is a fabric plant above the crop rows.
Raindrops can do a lot of damage to plants and soil if they move at full speed, so slowing them down will help.You can find plant coverings at any garden store.Before a rainstorm, spread these covers over your crops.A plain fabric sheet is also possible.Attach the corners to the stakes and drive them into the ground to keep the plants covered.A strong plastic covering is best for heavy winds.This protects the plants from wind damage.
Step 2: Plants should be covered with pots or buckets.
Put the pot or bucket over the plants by flipping it upside down.To keep the buckets in place during the storm, weigh them down with heavy rocks.The bucket needs to be tall enough for the plant to fit under.The stem could break if the top of the plant presses against the bucket.
Step 3: Plants should be staked so that they don't break in the wind.
Plants can be snapped by wind and heavy rain.There is a wooden stake next to the stems of the plants.The stake should be a bit taller than the plant.Attach the plant stem to the stake with string or twist-ties during the storm.If you're not expecting a storm, taking is helpful.As the plant grows, it supports the stem and prevents it from bending.
Step 4: Don't plant trees near your crops.
You don't want your crops to be damaged.The tree can fall if the wind is strong enough.New trees should be kept far away from the crop area to protect the plants.If you have trees near your crops, it's a good idea to take care of them.They are most likely to fall in a storm.
Step 5: You can protect the soil by covering the base of your plants.
Spread a layer of mulch around all of your crops.It helps prevent soil and root damage during storms.mulch helps control weeds and keeps soil moist.Straw, wood chips, or a similar material can be used as mulch.
Step 6: In bare areas, plant cover crops.
The cover crops act like mulch and prevent the rain from hitting the soil.These crops should be planted in bare areas around your crops and sloped areas.Sorghum is one of the most popular cover crops, but any type of grassy plant can do the job.It is very beneficial for your field to have cover crops.Since you can control the water flow without cutting drainage channels and ditches, this is a useful technique for no-till farming.
Step 7: There are trees and shrubs in upland areas.
If you have hills or raised areas around your crops, the rain could drown your plants.Some trees and shrubs can be planted around these spots to block some of the water.The trees and shrubs are helpful because they slow the water down.Water can damage roots and crops.The root systems of these plants help prevent soil erosion.
Step 8: After harvesting, leave some of the crop on the soil.
The leftovers from harvesting include leaves, stalks, and roots.The amount of soil left on helps reduce the impact of rain.Don't be too tidy when you're harvesting.If you skip the mulch, you can use this technique.
Step 9: Cut a ditch at the end of the row.
Water could pool underneath your crops and cause root rot if your crop field doesn't drain well.Try cutting a ditch at the end of the crop row.The ditch should be at least 30 cm (12 in) deep.No-till farming is not a good technique to use.It is better to protect the soil with mulch or cover crops.
Step 10: If the soil isn't draining, dig ditches between crop rows.
If the soil is still wet after you cut a ditch, then you need to improve drainage.If you want to connect the ditches at the end of the row, dig a ditch up to 30 cm deep.This will help the water drain better.This technique won't work for no-till farming.
Step 11: Direct water flows around your crops.
If you want to prevent flooding of your crops, surround them with stones, soil, or levees, similar to a retaining wall.If there are hills around your field, this is useful.You could combine this trick with another one, like using the dike to direct water into a drainage ditch.Grass can be planted on a dike if it is built with soil.The roots will help keep it in place.
Step 12: For flooded areas, build raised beds.
These problems can be overcome with raised planting beds.Prepare a box 1–2 ft deep and fill it with soil.Your crops will not get flooded if they are planted in this box.This is a good way to grow tomatoes in a vegetable garden.For areas with a lot of rain, raised beds are a good choice.
Step 13: After a storm, watch your plants for signs of rot or mold.
Plants are at risk right after a storm because warm conditions are ideal for mold to grow.After heavy rains, make sure to check your crops.It's possible that mold is starting to grow because of dark, bruised spots.If you see mold on your plants, cut them off as soon as possible.
Step 14: Crop limbs are damaged when the plants are dry.
If you see any damaged sections, you should take them back.It's best to wait until the plants are dry.After every cut, wash your clippers with a bleach solution or rubbing alcohol.This makes it impossible for mold andbacteria to spread to other plants.
Step 15: Salt or a pesticide can be spread to repel pests.
After a rain storm, segulls and snails flock to wet crops and can be very destructive.They're difficult to get rid of.Applying a pesticide barrier to repel them is one of the most common tricks.If these methods haven't worked, there are also slug traps.Follow the directions on any chemicals you use.Keep animals away from pesticides that are hazardous.
Step 16: If the mulch isn't drying out, it's time to remove it.
If mulch is soaked, it could support mold andbacteria.If there was a heavy storm and you have mulch that is saturated, rake it up and let the soil dry out.Fresh mulch should be spread when the soil is dry.
Step 17: Don't step on flooded areas to prevent root damage.
The plant roots can be damaged by stepping on the softer soil.Walk as little as possible until the soil dries out.
Step 18: Don'tfertilize until next season.
If you think re-fertilizing your crops after rain is a good idea, you're wrong.Wait until the next planting season to apply more fertilization, as you normally would at the beginning of each season.The next rainstorm will cause the chemicals to enter local water sources.