How flooding impacts your garden, and what to do about it

Sustainable gardens have a very positive impact on the environment and local wildlife. So here are three easy ways to make your garden more sustainable.

Water is essential to plant life, but what happens when there's too much of a good thing, as has been the case in many parts of the country and the world this summer?

Extreme rainfall is more frequent now, atmospheric scientists say, as storms form in an atmosphere made warmer by climate change.

In the garden, too much water can have fatal consequences, says Nick Goltz, director of the UConn Plant Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. " Flooding deprives roots of oxygen, which leads to root-rot diseases, and then plants can't pull water up (and) through their leaves and vascular tissue."

In an ironic case of "water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink," flooded plants become parched.

The result is yellow, wilting foliage, which ordinarily would signal a plant's need for water. But after flooding, those same drought symptoms mean that waterlogged roots can't function in soggy conditions.

FILE - A zinnia flower stem rises from the flood waters, which destroyed crops, at the Intervale Community Farm, Monday, July 17, 2023, in Burlington, Vt. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Avoid walking on mud if your garden has been affected by flooding, and wait until the soil has mostly dried before assessing the damage. Applying any weight or pressure to wet soil can lead to compaction and press out even more oxygen from around struggling roots.

A plant with just a few symptomatic leaves may bounce back, but one that's wholly wilted probably won't, Goltz said, adding that plants with strong, deep roots – like trees and some perennials – have the best odds of recovery.

Annuals, which have shallower roots, don't stand much of a chance, he said, so they should be removed if they look unhealthy.

Plants weakened or stressed by flood water are more susceptible to pests and diseases, so keep an eye on them and treat problems as they arise, which could be months later.

Broken tree limbs should be removed immediately, but save major pruning for when conditions improve to avoid further weakening an already stressed tree.

This July 31, 2023, image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a squash plant with yellow, wilted foliage — symptoms that present after both flood and drought — on Long Island in New York. Crops that have been touched by flood water should not be eaten. (Jessica Damiano via AP)

Flooded fruits, vegetables and herbs should be considered contaminated and not eaten.

"If the part you're eating touches the water, then it's unsafe" — even if washed or cooked — "because in addition to bacteria from standing water, runoff from nearby yards, pesticides, sewage and chemical contaminants" could be present, Goltz said.

However, if your garden was flooded but the above-ground edible portion of a plant was not, "then it can be eaten," Goltz said. "It's generally safe to eat an untouched tomato growing on a vine… (but not) a melon sitting on the ground. And even then, it's best to err on the side of caution by washing and cooking the tomato instead of eating it raw."

If you're mourning your lost vegetable garden, Goltz says that "in most cases, it's fine to plant a short crop in soil that has been flooded." Quick-growing plants like beans and peas will likely deliver before the end of the growing season. "Or you can plant a cover crop, like clover, which will control erosion and also fix nitrogen into the (likely depleted) soil."

After addressing your plants' needs, turn your attention to the flooded soil, which will also need some TLC. Flooding leaches out nutrients and can disrupt drainage. Mixing in compost will help on both counts, and sand will improve drainage, as well.

Goltz recommends bringing or sending a soil sample to your local cooperative extension service or Land Grant university to test which nutrients or amendments should be replenished, and whether the soil's pH needs adjusting. They can also test for heavy metal and other contaminants if you have reason to be concerned.

If you live in an area prone to flooding, there are steps you can take to avoid or at least minimize future damage, such as growing vegetables at higher elevations or in raised beds. Goltz also recommends digging ditches or installing French drains to direct water away from the plants you care about most.

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No-dig gardening is a simple and effective method of growing plants without the backbreaking work of digging and tilling the soil. Charles Dowding and advocates of his method swear by the strategy, pointing out that disrupting the soil may actually deplete nutrients.

While traditional gardening methods recommend digging the soil each fall to aerate it, no-dig proponents suggest leaving the natural organic matter on the surface leads to better plant quality and quantity.

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If doing less work to grow better produce sounds appealing to you, this spring is the perfect time to start a no-dig garden. While there is some initial setup involved, the process is simpler than you might think.

First, you should layer cardboard or newspaper on the ground to smother any existing grass or weeds. Then, add a thick layer of compost or manure on top to provide nutrients and improve the soil structure. Next, add organic material like hay, leaves, or straw. This functions similarly to mulch in traditional gardens by retaining moisture, regulating soil temperature, and suppressing weed growth.

Once you’ve set up your layers, you can make small holes in the top to plant your seeds. The roots will wind down through the mulch into the nutrient-rich compost, breaking down organic materials and enriching the soil as they grow.

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If you’ve had success with traditional gardening in the past, you might be hesitant to try Dowding’s no-dig method. These are the pros and cons to consider before you get started.

Reduced physical effort: No-dig gardening takes far less exertion than traditional digging and tilling methods, making it a great option for people with physical limitations.

Fewer weeds: The first cardboard or newspaper layer and natural mulch work to smother weeds without the use of chemical weed killers.

Healthy, nutrient-rich soil: Proponents of no-dig gardening love the rich soil the method produces. The method supports a healthy soil ecosystem with beneficial organisms like earthworms.

Less watering: The top mulch-like layer of your no-dig garden will help retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Initial setup: While a no-dig garden is lower maintenance than traditional methods, the initial preparation, including collecting organic materials and waiting for layers to break down, can take some time upfront.

Less planting depth: The soil layers in a no-dig garden offer a limited planting depth, so it’s best to choose plants that aren’t deep-rooted.

Slugs or snails: The moist environment a no-dig garden creates is great for plants, but it’s also a favorite of slugs and snails. Planting natural repellants like garlic and chives can keep pests under control.

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If you’re tired of spending hours digging and tilling your garden every year, a no-dig garden could be a great solution. Because of the soil depth limitations, it’s best to stick to plants with shallower roots. Summer and winter squash, kale, chard, onions, garlic, beets, radishes, and arugula tend to be easy picks for beginners. You should also have organic materials like leaves, straw, hay, and compost on hand to build your layers.

Overall, no-dig gardening is a fantastic option for gardeners who find traditional methods physically difficult or for those who prefer an organic approach. If that sounds like you, now is the perfect time to start layering for a thriving summer harvest.

Jessica Damiano writes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter and regular gardening columns for The AP. Sign up here to get weekly gardening tips and advice delivered to your inbox.

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Sustainable gardens have a very positive impact on the environment and local wildlife. So here are three easy ways to make your garden more su…