Rainfall brings relief and challenges to Central Texas gardens and nurseries

Bryan, Texas: A Balance of Rain Blessings and Concerns

Amidst the hustle and bustle, the city of Bryan, Texas has been experiencing a series of rainy days in July, a weather shift that has brought with it both relief and concerns to local gardens and nurseries. On one hand, the rainfall serves as a much-needed hydration source, delivering vital nutrients to plants, facilitating their growth, and naturally cleaning them from dust. On the other hand, the abundance of rain can become detrimental, washing out plants, promoting fungal diseases, causing plant breakage, and leading to soil erosion.

“That’s a million dollar rain yesterday”

“That’s a million dollar rain yesterday,” quipped Horticulturist James Alan Reeder. Texas, specifically Brazos County, has had its fair share of rain this July – a weather scenario playing a dual role for local gardens and nurseries alike.

Effects of Heavy Rainfall on Plants

“Just cut off your additional water and just let the good Lord take care of that water,” advises Reeder. This advice comes after a local plant nursery in Grimes County admitted they had to close early for the season due to the weather impact.

The Two Sides of Rain for Gardening

Discussing the positive and negative implications of the rain, Mark Scarmardo, a manager at a local Farm Patch, explained, “All the rain right now has really been helpful as far as the garden center. Not only does it water the plants, rainwater is obviously the best thing for these plants, keeping them looking good.”

However, Scarmardo quickly signified it’s not all sunshine and rainbows stating, “You can kill plants just as quick over-watering them, just as quick as not watering them at all. I mean, too much rain, certain plants, you can knock all your blooms off if it’s that heavy of a rain. Washing plants out that have just been planted is another thing.”

The Key to Plant Care

A visiting Horticulturist from Oklahoma shared their thoughts on the best way to care for plants amidst fluctuating weather conditions. “If you don’t know your plants by now, they’re going to die and tell you about it,” Reeder warned. Indicating the importance of plant knowledge and care, Scarmardo suggests, “Just pay attention — make sure you know what you’re planting, what the plant likes, try to put it in the best spot.”