It’s completely cliché, but the weather is crazy lately. Within the past week there was a 500 year flood event in Yellowstone National Park, as well as significant flooding throughout Montana. While we are used to dealing with frost and cold, what is the best way to protect the garden during extreme storm events?

Hail, No!

Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a gardener as much as the call for hail. It can turn the most beautiful plants into shreds. A couple of weeks ago a storm went through Belle Fourche, South Dakota with at least tennis ball size hail. Not only did it dent vehicles and buildings and break windows, it took the paint off of houses. Poor little plants don’t stand a chance.

Oh, hail!

While it’s difficult to mitigate for a storm of this magnitude, there is a lot we can do if there’s a general call for hail. Covering plans with sheets slows down the impact. And it’s even better if you can use something solid. At times, I’ve used large potting containers, totes and even cardboard boxes. To protect larger plants, I’ve also set up folding tables over the entire bed to give them a roof. 

Soaking Storm Events

For the most part, gardeners love rain. A little rain is a good thing. A lot can be disastrous resulting and disease and insect proliferation, lack of pollination, and if it’s late enough where there is fruit production, often times the fruit splits.

If you have days of rain, the goal is to dry everything as soon as possible and not compact the soil in the process. Be careful where you step. Rake back heavy mulch from the plants to allow the moisture to evaporate and minimize pest issues. If there is standing water or days of rain, consider digging a trench to drain it away from the plants. Of course, drag containers underneath eaves and even move them inside to keep them from becoming oversaturated.

After heavy rains consider fertilizing plants to make up for what might be washed out of the soil. Of course, if you use something like Miracle Gro, stay on your regimen. If the rain was heavy enough, you might want to add more of the time released fertilizer, such as Osmocote. It all depends on the amount of moisture you received and if any was washed away. The same holds for container plantings.

Dealing with Wind Storm Events

We are no strangers to wind in Central Montana, but a severe wind storm can decimate plants. Just like dealing with hail, trying to protect plants as best you can. One of the most effective ways is to use a heavier floating row cover. Pin it down or weigh it down with rocks. Bring in containers, or at least store them against a building that projects them from a direct onslaught.

Garden Storm Damage

Caring for the Garden After the Storm 

After the big storm everything is going to look haggard. But it won’t take long to notice some positive effects. Most of the time when it comes to hail, the garden will bounce back. Granted, there are some storms that are just too horrible and the damage to the plants is too much. In this case, replant if you have enough time.

Expect the weeds to kick into high gear. All that additional rain and disturbance of the soil is the perfect combination for exponential weed growth. Be on your game to stay ahead of them.

Additional moisture, especially followed by heat, is also a strong cause for disease. This is especially true if hail or extreme wind damaged the plants. When a plan is already stressed it is more susceptible. Check plants to make sure what initially appears to be storm damage doesn’t turn into something more.

Storms are no fun. While they sometimes bring much needed rain, the level of damage is frustrating. To protect your garden, be as prepared as possible. But always remember that these plants are resilient. What seems like a total loss might surprise you within a few weeks.