April brought historic rainfall, and May followed with further bouts of wet weather and severe storms across the Mid-South. As a result, many landscapes are waterlogged; in some areas, flooding has taken its toll. If your yard or garden has been affected, it’s important to approach recovery with care to protect both your plants and your soil.

Flooding can have lasting effects on gardens and landscapes. If your landscape has suffered flooding, it is best not to enter the area until it has dried out. Walking on saturated ground can cause soil compaction.

Remove any uprooted plants and debris and dispose of them in the trash. Do not rush to remove deciduous plants that have lost their leaves. Flooding can cause temporary leaf drop, and many plants will recover given time. Gently rinse off any mud or sediment from plant leaves with a hose, being careful not to damage the already-stressed plants.
Avoid fertilizing immediately after a flood, as plants need time to recover. Stressed plants are more susceptible to disease and insect damage.

Floodwaters often carry contaminants like raw sewage and chemicals. If you grow leafy greens or root vegetables, it’s best not to eat anything that comes in contact with floodwater. Newly planted seeds may also have been washed away or damaged. Be prepared to replant when conditions improve.

Once the soil has dried, add organic matter to replace nutrients and improve soil health. Prune away dead, diseased, or broken branches to encourage healthy regrowth. Consider improving drainage in low-lying areas or switching to raised beds to prevent future flooding issues. If your garden sits in a poorly drained area, we have resources to help you choose plants that can tolerate wet conditions. I am happy to share those with you! Just give me a call at 901-752-1207.