| Gardening in the Rain: Finding the Balance I had a project garden planned for last Saturday [20th]. I arrived at the client’s early at 7:45 a.m. to check for any last-minute changes. Tools were laid out in the garage, batteries charged, and the project waste bags were walked up to the garden. I checked the forecast and weather map at 6 a.m. — the morning looked dry, with only a small, marginal shower possible between 5 and 6 p.m. I’d double-checked the long-range outlook on Friday night as well — all clear. It’s a large garden, a bit overgrown (not terribly), and I’d scheduled myself and one of my trainees. Then, at 08:38, rain began. By 9:15, we were in the midst of a thunderstorm, with flash flooding, thunder, and lightning. The storm had come from nowhere, swinging in unexpectedly from Europe and throwing out everything the forecast had suggested. The client and I agreed to ‘call it’ and reschedule. With their holiday starting on Monday and running to the end of the month, the logical move was to plan an autumn cutback for the first week of October. That was fine; however, my trainee, still learning, asked if we couldn’t just get started once the rain stopped. I explained: in light showers, possibly yes; after heavy rain and storms, no. That distinction can be baffling, so here’s how I define the balance. |
| When Rain Puts a Stop to Gardening Soil compaction – Wet ground compresses easily, harming soil structure and root health. Slippery conditions – Paths, patios, decks, and lawns become hazardous. Battery mower & tool performance – Wet clippings clog mower decks, strimmers tangle, blades tear instead of cutting cleanly, and damp debris sticks to equipment. All of this results in increased maintenance and reduced efficiency. Battery care – While battery packs are weather-resistant, they should never be exposed to soaking rain or puddles. Stopping work in downpours helps protect this expensive kit. Mess & mud – Foot traffic and barrows churn borders and turf into quagmires. Plant stress & disease – Working through wet foliage spreads fungal issues and bruises plants. Overgrown gardens after heavy rain – Long growth holds water; waste becomes waterlogged and bags/bins are much heavier to move safely. Personal comfort & safety – Soaked, cold conditions sap energy and raise injury risk. Rule of thumb: If it’s heavy/prolonged rain or the ground is waterlogged, work usually waits. |
| When Rain Can Actually Help Cooler working conditions – Gentle showers make physical work more comfortable. Planting benefits – Moist soil settles around roots and reduces transplant shock. Easier weeding – Damp soil helps pull weeds out, including their roots. Eco-friendly watering – Nature does the irrigation. Mulching & Soil Care – Applying mulch in damp spells locks moisture in for later use. Light tidying – Edging, sweeping, and debris collection are fine in drizzle. Wildlife alive – Worms rise, birds forage; the garden hums. Rule of thumb: Light showers are often workable — choose tasks that don’t churn soil or rely on dry foliage. |
| Defining the Balance (Simple Checklist) Type of rain: Drizzle/showers → Proceed with suitable light tasks. Heavy rain/thunderstorm → Stop; reassess later. Ground conditions: Firm/damp → OK for planting, weeding, mulching, light tidy. Soft/waterlogged → Avoid to prevent compaction and ruts. Garden state: Trim/maintained → More scope to continue. Overgrown after heavy rain → Pause: safety, plant health, and heavy green waste are real issues. Task choice: Low-impact (planting, hand-weeding, light tidy) → Rain-friendly. High-impact (mowing wet lawns, strimming long growth, hedge cutting on ladders) → Wait for drier conditions. Battery tools: Keep packs dry, avoid clogging, clean/dry tools after use → Proceed in light rain with care. Heavy soaking, flooded lawns, or storm conditions → Stop work; protect equipment. |
| Why Forecasts Aren’t Foolproof Even with planning, preparation, and double-checking, the weather can change suddenly. Just as that storm swung in from Europe and rewrote the forecast within an hour, gardeners learn that adaptability is as important as preparation. The balance isn’t about following the forecast blindly, but about recognising what the conditions in front of you allow — and respecting when nature has the final say. |
Earthly Comforts 
Planning for unexpected scenarios is very wise, Rory.
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Thanks Eugenia 🙂
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You’re welcome, Rory.
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