I am not trying to bring us bad luck, but we do need to think of our gardens before a hurricane or even a tropical storm.
We prepare all other aspects of our lives and property so we should give at least some thought to our garden. Proper preparation can save plants and prevent damage.
If a hurricane proves to be threatening, even a tropical storm in some cases, it is a good idea to follow these guidelines:
Before the storm, harvest what you can. Pick all of the ripe fruits and vegetables, plus any that are close to maturity. Green tomatoes, peppers and squash can ripen indoors. This prevents waste and reduces projectile debris.Move your containers, especially the smaller ones and decorative items (yes, that means yard art too) indoors. A shed or garage is perfect. Anything you think could become airborne or a projectile, tie it down — including garden stakes, tomato cages and plant supports. And don’t forget windchimes and hanging baskets.If you have a pool, throw your lightweight furniture in the pool to prevent it from blowing around. If you are like me and do not have a pool, tie it down up close to the house.Protect valuable plants by bringing them into a shed, garage or even a covered porch to create a barrier between them and the storm. If they are too large to move, group containers together in a sheltered spot and cover with a tarp and tie. Citrus plants can be wrapped and tied with burlap.Contrary to what you might think, do not prune a healthy branch before the storm. It could actually weaken it. Prune obvious dead limbs instead.As we do (or should do) with the contents of our homes, take pictures of your garden as a frame of reference. Pay close attention to mature plants and trees as well as valuable ones.Give your garden one last watering. Moist soil can actually help anchor the plant root better than dry soil.When the storm is over, don’t rush to remove damaged plants immediately. Some can recover from what even looks like severe damage. Wait a few weeks and see what might regenerate. For salt spray, which can really cause damage to plants, rinse the foliage with fresh water if possible and be patient. Recovery can sometimes take months.
With proper preparation, your garden can weather the storm. And the ones that bounce back, they are the true survivors.
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