Gardeners should take urgent steps to protect gardens from '450-mile rain bomb'

As Britain braces itself for a torrential "rain bomb", an expert has urged gardeners to take four crucial steps to protect their homes from the onslaught.

The UK is in for a 450-mile downpour now that summer is almost at an end. According to forecasts from WXCharts, which uses data from MetDesk, the rain will hit almost the entire country by midday on September 3.

Maps show rainfall will encompass more than 450 miles from Plymouth and Southampton, up through Wales, the Midlands, Manchester, and into the north of Scotland.

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It doesn’t just spell bad news for your outdoor barbecue plans, either. With a period of heavy rainfall forecast for the UK in the coming week, a leading home maintenance expert has issued a warning for British garden-owners.

While rain is often welcome when it comes to your lawn, he cautions that a sudden downpour on already saturated ground can cause silent but significant damage to plants, garden furniture, and, most importantly, fences and gates.

Martin Dooley, director of MD Carpentry Workshop, says: "Many people think their garden can just handle the rain, but a few simple checks can be the difference between a thriving garden and one that's waterlogged and damaged. Taking preventative action now can save you a lot of time and money in the long run, especially when it comes to your fence."

The first step gardeners should take is to protect their potted plants. Martin suggests moving any pots into a sheltered area, such as a garage or under a patio overhang.

He adds: "If that’s not possible, raise them off the ground on ‘pot feet’ or bricks to ensure water can drain freely and the roots don’t become waterlogged." However, gardeners should avoid leaving them in a spot where they will be hit by a deluge from a roof or gutter.

The second step is to guard your garden furniture. Martin says: “Do move cushions indoors or into a waterproof storage box to prevent mould. Do cover wooden furniture with a protective sheet, or move it under a covered area to prevent a build-up of moisture that can cause rot and discolouration.

Thirdly, you should prepare your fences and gates. Martin advises gardeners to “walk the perimeter of your garden and check for any areas where water is pooling around the base of fence posts. If you find any, try to dig a small channel to help the water drain away.”

You should also clear away any debris such as leaves or grass that have piled up against the bottom of your fence line, as these can trap moisture and speed up rot at ground level.

He also warns not to ignore any wobbling or unsteady posts. This could be a sign that the ground is saturated with water and the post is no longer secure.

Lastly, make sure to care for your soil and borders. Martin suggests checking for any areas where water typically pools. He says: “If you have time, gently aerate the soil with a fork to help water soak away faster.”

He adds that gardeners should consider adding organic matter, like compost or mulch, to garden beds, as this will act like a sponge, improving soil structure to hold water better and preventing erosion.

Although, he cautions not to overwater plants or containers now, as the rain will take care of it and more water will only stress the plants.

Martin says: "It’s not just about a temporary fix; it’s about long-term garden health. By taking these few minutes to prepare, gardeners can save themselves hours of work and a lot of money in the future by protecting their biggest outdoor investments."