Garden tips for the rainy season

In the tropics, we have two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. We have entered the rainy season which began at the start of June. The rainy season yields much benefit which includes the rapid growth of vegetation as well as improving the quality of air.

The percentage of average rainfall likely for June 2021 to July 2021 ranges between 78 per cent and 96 per cent of the long-term average (LTA) in Trinidad but between 88 per cent and 94 per cent of the LTA in Tobago (Trinidad and Tobago Weather Centre, 2021).

Some general reminders for your garden as we move into the heart of the rainy season include:

1. Check all the drainage holes in your plant pots—Ensure that there is proper drainage for your plants by checking to see if the holes in your plant pots are clogged. Try to raise your garden beds as high as possible.
2. Monitor the rain for watering cycles—Check the moisture of the soil in your plant pots before you give them additional water. If the soil is moist do not water.

3.Secure tall plants— Heavy rainfall usually tends to bend taller plants. Using a metal rod, insert it firmly into the soil and tie the plant onto it for support. Avoid damaging the root system of the plant.

4.Manage weeds—After a generous downpour of rain, weeds will grow rapidly. Try to control them by manually removing them, attempting to remove the roots from the soil.

5.Use natural fertilisers—It is more effective to use natural fertigation during the rainy season. Fertilisers may wash out quickly hence slow releasing natural types are encouraged such as manure and compost.

When outdoor and in your garden, ensure that you wear protective footwear so that you would not slip and injure yourself. Also, be on the lookout for animals such as snakes and frogs (for your pets’ safety).

Ensure that you cover all drums and containers around your home since these can breed mosquitoes which carry diseases such as malaria and dengue.

As an aside, road accidents are also common within the rainy season, so it is important to practise road safety by driving carefully and cautiously when the roads are wet.

It is also important that we keep an emergency kit in our homes comprising of items such as: battery powered flashlight, clean drinking water, non-perishable foods and first aid items, in the event of any disasters.

Let’s all be prepared for an active rainy season by early planning!

Send questions to rayannaboodram@hotmail.com.