Winter rains encourage new life in the garden
By Ron Reichl Special to The Acorn

This winter is giving us more rain than we've seen in several years, and although it may cause traffic accidents, disrupt your commute and force you to finally change your windshield wipers, the frequent downpours are a treat for your landscaping. Not only does the rain provide moisture, which saves money on your water bill, it also leaches out the builtup salts and toxic chemicals that get caught up in soil.

Heavy sunlight, artificial irrigation and constant fertilization throughout the summer can lead to an accumulation of salts that can be harmful to plants. Rain serves to wash away these salts from the root zone and create better conditions for your plants. This is why I recommend that every other month you take your houseplants outdoors and flood the soil (slowly) to wash away these salts.

Heavy rain also gives you a chance to check for proper drainage in your yard. A poor drainage system can hurt your landscape by not allowing excess surface moisture to exit planted areas.

Remember, plants can drown too. Roots need a constant flow of oxygen in the soil to grow and provide water and nutrients to the entire plant. If the space for air below the ground is occupied by water for an extended period of time, the plant can suffer from root rot and die.

A good surface drainage system can help prevent this problem by transporting the excess surface water out and away from the planted area.

If you find the flooded area in a place where drain pipe installation is impossible you can install a "French drain," which uses a ditch and gravel to direct water away from plant roots.

Incorporating mulch or other organic materials to any heavy soil will also introduce air space into the soil and provide better drainage for excessive water.

Take advantage of this year's heavy rainfall by assessing your soil condition and looking for low spots and other trapped areas. Taking the proper steps during winter's wet weather will ensure that your landscape and garden flourish all year long.

Ron Reichl is the owner of Metro Landscape in Simi Valley. He is a landscape contractor and certified nurseryman and pesticide applicator and a graduate of and former horticulture instructor at Michigan State University. He can be reached at (805) 857-0616.