Heavy Rainfall and Flooding in the Garden

We have seen a great deal of severe weather and flooding the past few weeks. Waterlogged soils
push out oxygen that roots need to survive. Every
living cell in a plant must have oxygen or it dies.
Some plants have mechanisms to provide oxygen
to the roots even under saturated conditions but
most of our vegetables and flowers do not. The
longer these plants are subjected to saturated soils, the more likely damage will occur. However, as long as water drains away within 24 hours, the impact on plant health is minimal.

What about safety regarding eating produce from a garden that has been flooded? Standing
water should not cause a safety problem as long as the above ground portions of the plant remain
healthy. Do not use produce from plants that have yellowed. Also, using produce flooded with
water contaminated with sewage (lagoon) or animal manure can also be dangerous. The safest
approach is to discard all garden crops that have been in contact with such water. Certainly,
leafy vegetables should always be discarded. However, you may eat fruit from such crops as
tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, sweet corn, squash, cucumbers, and similar vegetables that
develops after the waters have subsided as long as the fruit is not cracked or soft.

Soils often become compacted and crusted after a heavy rainfall. This also can restrict oxygen to
the roots. Lightly scraping the soil to break this crust will help maintain a healthy root system
and therefore, a healthy plant. Be careful not to cultivate too deeply as shallow roots may be
damaged. If you think the excessively wet weather will continue, bedding up the rows before
planting even just a couple of inches, will improve drainage and allow for better aeration.