6 tips to follow when you're gardening and the rain just won't go away

Before too long, you’ll be planting your garden. Soon after that, you’ll be watching those plants grow and flourish. But what happens to your plants when you have an extended period of rain? Rain is a blessing when it appears in the right amounts, but it can also be a curse when it’s excessive, causing flooding, erosion, and plant diseases.
Too much water in the garden creates an enormous challenge for any gardener. It can be next to impossible to keep your garden in excellent condition. It's also quite frustrating because there's nothing anyone can do about the weather. But there are a few steps you can take to preserve your garden until the sun makes its return.
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1. Watch for powdery mildew
Long periods of wet weather can lead to plant disease, and powdery mildew is one of the most common. Practically no plants are immune to it. If you see it on your plants, remove and destroy any infected parts of the plant, improve circulation around them by thinning and pruning, and apply a fungicide. To keep it from returning, water your plants at ground-level only.
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2. Don't walk on wet soil
If the soil in your garden has become waterlogged, don't walk on it. The soil becomes compacted. And compacted soil is dense and heavy and doesn't allow proper root penetration.
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3. Feed the soil after heavy rains
Rain and flooding can wash nutrients away from your vegetable plants. After storms or long periods of wet weather, replace those nutrients by adding compost or an organic fertilizer to your soil.
4. Get rid of standing water
If you have areas that are not draining properly, these can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Plants left in standing water are subject to root rot. You need to find ways to eliminate the water: Installing a French drain, putting in a rock bed, or raising the area with topsoil will work. Also, remove wheelbarrows and other containers from the garden area to prevent water from collecting in them.
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5. Keep an eye out for weeds and slugs
There are many weeds that thrive during rainy weather, and they can become prolific enough to choke out your plants. And don't forget to watch out for slugs. They love moist places and hide under the leaves while they feast on them.
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6. Check for damage
A few damaged leaves can be removed, or if a plant has been bent over from the rain, you can probably stake it up. But if the main stem is broken, the plant is likely lost. Also, check for exposed roots following soil erosion. Cover them with soil or compost before they dry out and harm the plant.
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