You might not know this, but your plants need some extra care during the monsoon season. If you are thinking why, let’s simplify it for you. Excessive rainfall can lead to waterlogging, fungal diseases, and pest infestations. This harms your beloved plants.
However, you can ensure your plants not only survive but thrive during this season. All you need are the right strategies and practices.
Let’s check out ten essential plant care tips for the rainy season. Besides, the blog shares proven strategies that will help maintain a healthy garden.
How to Take Care of Indoor Plants and Outdoor Gardens During Monsoon?
Here are 10 tips that will guide you in taking care of plants in the rainy season. Let’s have a look.
- Prioritise Proper Drainage
- Provide Shelter for Vulnerable Plants
- Regular Pruning and Cleaning
- Combat Fungal Diseases
- Regular Soil Checks
- Use Organic Pest Control
- Adjust Watering Practices
- Loosen Soil in Pots
- Sunlight and Shifting
- Ensure Complete Soil Fill in Pots
Make sure your plant pots have enough drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Otherwise, water that can not pass can lead to root rot. You may elevate pots using bricks or stands for better water flow. Also, consider using a well-draining potting mix. It will allow excess water to escape easily.
No doubt rainwater is beneficial for plants. But heavy downpours can cause damage. So, how to take care of indoor plants and outdoor ones? You can protect delicate plants by moving them to covered areas. Take them to balconies or under canopies. You can use umbrellas or garden fabric to shield garden plants from heavy rain.
Monsoon is a time when plants grow at peace. Try to prune overgrown branches regularly. Trim excessive foliage to improve air circulation. It also helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Clean up dead leaves and debris, too. Always sterilise your pruning tools between uses to prevent spreading infections.
You might have noticed that fungi grow here and there during the rains. Consequently, monsoon season is favourable for fungal diseases. To take preventive measures, you may spray organic fungicides on sensitive plants. Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal growth.
Heavy rains can wash away the topsoil. So, check the soil timely and ensure the soil is porous and drains well. If you notice moss or algae forming, remove them immediately.
Organic pest control methods are the best for preventing pests. You can use neem oil, garlic spray, or insecticidal soap to protect your plants. Note that there are beneficial insects, too. So, let the ladybugs and lacewings thrive in your garden. They are natural predators of common garden pests.
Not all plants need the same amount or frequency of watering. For instance, cacti require much less water compared to fruit-bearing plants. During the rainy season, the air’s moisture content is already high. So, do not overwater and let the roots rot.
This might sound unnecessary or a luxury treatment. But loosening the soil in your plant pots helps the roots breathe. It also improves air circulation. Otherwise, tight and compacted soil can trap moisture, and roots may start to rot.
What do you long for after two days of continuous rain? Sunlight, right? Your plants, too, crave that. Hence, move plants to sunnier spots occasionally. Also, direct rainfall should be avoided to prevent soil erosion.
To prevent waterlogging, fill your pots completely with soil. Preferably, a mix of soil and manure would be good. This prevents water from logging at the top. Moreover, it ensures nutrients reach the plant roots.
Effective Tips to Involve Your Kids in Taking Care of Plants
Gardening can be a fun and educational activity for kids. How? Let’s check out. Gardening –
- Teaches responsibility and patience
- Enhances understanding of nature
- Promotes physical activity
- Teaches about food origins
- Develops fine motor skills
- Boosts mental well-being
Here are some plant care tips to involve your children in gardening during the rainy season:
- Set up a small garden area where kids can plant their own flowers or vegetables.
- Let them water the plants. Show your kids how to check soil moisture. Also, explain why it is important not to overwater.
- Explain the benefits of pruning for plant health. Let them watch you as you trim the plants.
- Prepare a gardening routine. Ask your kids to spend a few minutes each day checking on their plants. This will help instil a habit of responsibility and care. They will feel more connected to nature.
- Turn gardening tasks into fun games or challenges. For example, have a contest to see who can water the plants correctly.
- Praise and reward your kids for their efforts in taking care of the plants. This encourages them to participate in gardening activities.
As you prepare for the monsoon, remember that a little extra effort goes a long way in maintaining a thriving garden. No matter if you’re nurturing indoor plants or maintaining a lush outdoor garden. These practices will help you learn the art of plant care in the rainy season. You can also teach your kids how to take care of plants by just asking them to see you or help you. Involving kids in gardening does not only help in plant care. It also teaches them valuable life skills, and they grow an affection for nature in them.
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