Rainfall has been at an all-time high in South Africa thanks to the la Nina phenomena, which has brought on above-average rainfall in the Joburg areas.
So how does this affect your garden and plants?
Too much of a good thing can be detrimental. As much as our plants and flora enjoy a good drink, too much water can have an adverse effect.
Too much precipitation, which is the water vapor suspended in the air, can hinder plants from absorbing C02 and releasing oxygen properly. This also brings along fungal infections such as powdery mildew which spreads easily and is difficult to cure. Ensure to treat your plants with a fungicide to prevent powdery mildew from taking over. It is always better to prevent than to cure.
Constant rainfall also leads to soil erosion, which washes away precious garden soil and leeches vital nutrients from the soil, such as nitrogen. These nutrients and heavy metals are washed away into rivers and dams, inevitably lowering the quality of the water.
Take note of where your stormwater runoff goes, as any water that pools in your garden will cause excessive moisture in the soil and deprive roots of oxygen, which can lead to root rot.
So as refreshing as the rain may be, keep an eye on these few things to ensure the health of your garden.