After heavy rains, you can find your garden beds completely covered by water - it can easily kill your plants.
While you can't control the weather, you can always create garden beds that cat withstand different types of weather and protect the plants.
Here are a few ideas on what you can do to protect your plants from sinking.
Allow the soil to dry
It's important to wait until the soil has dried out before attempting any repairs.
Working with wet soil can lead to further compaction and damage.
Loosen the compacted soil
Once the soil is dry enough, use a garden fork or shovel to gently loosen the compacted areas.
Push the tool into the soil and wiggle it back and forth to break up the compacted layers.
This will help improve drainage and aeration.
Add organic matter
Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the sunken areas.
Spread a layer of organic matter evenly and work it into the loosened soil.
This will improve the soil structure, enhance water retention, and provide essential nutrients for plant growth.
Level the surface
Use a rake or the back of a garden hoe to level the soil in the sunken areas.
Remove any excess soil and redistribute it to areas that may need a slight boost. Aim for a smooth and even surface.
Compact the soil gently
After leveling the soil, lightly compact it using the back of a rake or by gently walking over the area.
This will help stabilize the soil without causing excessive compaction.
Be cautious not to overdo it, as compacting too much can hinder root growth and water infiltration.
Water the treated area
Thoroughly water the repaired sections of the garden bed to help settle the soil and establish good contact between the added organic matter and the existing soil.
Ensure the water penetrates deeply into the soil.
Previously, we talked about dangerous pesticides.
