December may bring festive joy to many, but it’s not always the merriest time for our gardens. While we’re getting into the Christmas spirit, the wet weather can wreak havoc on our plants.
For those concerned about their garden succumbing to waterlogging during this season, there’s a straightforward solution.
A gardening expert has recommended a simple action to save your plants from being swamped with water. Ish, who shares tips on TikTok under the handle @gardening.with.ish, pointed out that potted plants are particularly vulnerable in the cold months.
The chilly and damp conditions of winter mean water doesn’t evaporate as swiftly, leading to excess moisture “sitting” in the soil and potentially waterlogging the plants an issue every gardener wants to avoid. To prevent this problem, he shared an easy fix.
Ish advised: “What I do is I get three little wooden blocks, and I pop my pot straight on top. As a result, that keeps the drainage port at the bottom nice and free, which keeps my soil free-draining.”
He added: “The same applies for my larger one too. I’ve got three slightly larger chunks underneath there, which again just creates a gap between the ground and the soil, which means it has an adequate amount of drainage.”
For those seeking a quick and cost-effective method, he suggested: “Now, you can buy feet for the pot but, if you’re looking for something quick and easy, use a wooden block.”
The video has garnered numerous views since its upload, with viewers appreciating the cost-effective method to protect plants during winter.
Plants can perish from being waterlogged, either due to excessive rainfall or overwatering.
When soil is waterlogged, water fills the gaps between soil particles, preventing oxygen from reaching the roots. This leads to root death and subsequently, a loss of plant vitality.
Similarly, overwatering your plants triggers a comparable process. Constantly damp soil lacks sufficient air pockets, inhibiting the roots’ ability to breathe.
This results in stressed roots, which spells trouble for the plants, meaning regular drainage is crucial for plant health.