4 gardening tips for wet and mild weather

While we’re still very much in the height of summer here in the UK, you never quite know when the weather will turn. When it does turn, that doesn’t mean you have to sit inside and wait until the sunny weather returns. Let’s face it: who knows how long you’ll be waiting? Even though it’s not everyone’s favourite time to be outside, don’t let a little rain stop you from getting some gardening tasks done!

So, on that note, here are a few different tips for gardening in the wet but mild weather from our experts here at Welch fencing.

plant pot and deck wet from decking

Organic soil is the best soil

Because we have such temperamental weather here in the UK, you never know when the next spell of heavy rainfall might be just around the corner. So when you’re planting, no matter the season, it’s always best practice to ensure your soil contains as much organic matter as possible.

This organic matter, which you can easily obtain by keeping a compost bin in your garden for all fallen leaves, dead plants or even cut grass, is a key ingredient for healthy soil. It’s free, and it’s a resource that would only get thrown away otherwise! Organic soil made of mostly dead leaves, cut grass and any other organic matter you’ve composted, when compared to soil made from clay or sand,is looser and lets the water run through without getting trapped, preventing water logging and ensuring your plants thrive.

Be sure to turn over your soil regularly

Any avid gardener knows to keep an eye on the weather forecast. Heavy patches of rain like those we typically experience in early autumn can cause your soil to become waterlogged, which can drown your plants. Not only that, but it can cause your soil to be more compacted, which means less air and nutrients will get to your plants; it’s always best to turn over your soil regularly, especially if it’s been running, so it keeps everything loose. You can use whatever you have to hand whether that’s a garden fork, a small spade or even a rake.

If you have the time, installing a drainage system like French drains will be a big help with making sure the water doesn’t collect on the surface of your garden. French drains are basically a pipe laid in the ground that takes water away from your property. They’re fairly uncomplicated systems and well suited to smaller residential spaces, so they’re perfect for gardens!

Create a windowsill garden

Just because you can’t get outside and garden doesn’t mean that you can’t grow and tend to anything. This hack is perfect for those who miss the growing season when the weather starts to cool down: a windowsill garden! No matter where you live, be it a house, an apartment, or even in your bedroom, as long as your windowsill gets plenty of light, the gardening season doesn’t have to be over. South-facing windows will get the most sun, so naturally, they’ll be better for growing. Herbs are the most obvious choice when it comes to what to grow, but green onions, cherry tomatoes and baby carrots are also great options.

Keep your eyes peeled for weeds

Weeds and moss are two of the most annoying additions to any garden, yet they always seem to weed their way back in after you deal with them (pun intended). The bad news is wet and mild weather creates the ideal conditions for these pesky intruders. Fortunately, though, there are a few things you can do to catch them early so they don’t spread to the rest of your garden, your garden fence panels and beyond! There are a few different methods you can use to get rid of weeds; you can lay down aggregates that make it harder for them to grow, you can use weed killer, or if you’d prefer a more natural route, you can use boiling water, or even dig them up by hand – just be sure to pull up all the roots!

Don’t let the wet and windy weather dampen your gardening spirits. There are still plenty of ways to enjoy gardening, even if it’s indoors. Just make sure to prep your fence and fix any broken boards before the rainy season hits. And if you’re looking for any new fence panels, that’s where we come in! We have a stunning selection of both timber and composite fencing for you to choose from.

So why not take a look at our website? And, if you need any help or advice, just give us a call at 01772 336476. We love helping our customers make their garden goals a reality!

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