How to Prepare Your Garden for Hurricane Season? - Plant Care Guide

Hurricane season can be scary, especially for your beloved garden. All that hard work, those beautiful plants – you don't want them wiped out by a big storm. But don't worry! With a little planning, you can give your garden the best chance to survive. This guide will walk you through everything you need to do to prepare your garden for hurricane season.

Why Should I Prepare My Garden for Hurricane Season?

Thinking about a hurricane hitting your area might feel overwhelming. You might wonder, "Why should I even bother with my garden when bigger things are happening?" But taking steps now can save you a lot of headache and heartache later.

First, safety is key. A hurricane can turn everyday garden items into dangerous projectiles. A loose rake, a flying pot, even a small branch can cause serious damage to your home, car, or even people. Securing these items is not just about protecting your garden; it's about protecting yourself and your property.

Second, it helps your garden recover faster. Imagine coming out after a storm to a completely destroyed garden. It's disheartening. By preparing, you can lessen the damage. This means less cleanup, less replanting, and a quicker return to enjoying your green space. You'll thank yourself when you see your plants bouncing back instead of being completely gone.

Third, it's about saving money. Replacing damaged plants, broken fences, or even fixing parts of your home that were hit by garden debris can get expensive. A little effort now can prevent big costs later. Think of it as an investment in your peace of mind and your wallet.

Finally, it’s about preserving your hard work. You've spent time, effort, and love nurturing your garden. Seeing it thrive brings joy. Protecting it from a storm helps ensure that all that dedication wasn't in vain. It allows you to continue enjoying the fruits (and flowers!) of your labor.

When Should I Start Preparing My Garden?

Don't wait until a storm is knocking on your door! The best time to start preparing your garden for hurricane season is well before the season begins. In most hurricane-prone areas, this means starting in late spring or early summer. Getting a head start gives you plenty of time to tackle everything without feeling rushed or stressed.

Think of it like getting ready for a big trip. You wouldn't pack your bags the hour before you leave, right? The same goes for your garden. Early preparation lets you:

Create a Garden Hurricane Plan

Just like you might have a family emergency plan, having a garden hurricane plan is super helpful. This isn't about writing a long, complicated document. It's more about knowing what steps you'll take and what tools you'll need.

Start by making a list of everything in your garden that could be a problem in strong winds. This includes potted plants, garden decorations, furniture, and tools. Knowing what you have helps you figure out what needs to be secured or moved.

Also, think about where you'll move things. Do you have a shed, a garage, or a sturdy patio? Identify these safe spots beforehand. This way, when a storm approaches, you won't be scrambling to find a place for everything. Having a clear plan saves time and reduces panic when a storm warning comes.

Gather Your Hurricane Preparedness Kit

Having the right tools ready makes a big difference. You don't want to be running to the store when everyone else is, or worse, when the storm is already starting. Think about what you'll need to secure items, trim plants, and clean up afterward.

Here are some essentials for your garden hurricane preparedness kit:

• Strong Tarps: These are great for covering fragile plants or securing outdoor furniture. Look for a heavy-duty tarp like the Blue Tarp 10x12.
• Rope or Bungee Cords: Essential for tying down loose items. A good set of assorted bungee cords can be very useful.
• Pruning Shears or Loppers: For trimming branches that could break off. A sharp pair of Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears is a must-have.
• Work Gloves: To protect your hands during cleanup. Leather work gloves are durable and offer good protection.
• Buckets or Containers: For moving small items or gathering debris.
• Duct Tape: The ultimate fix-all for many minor problems.
• Shovel and Rake: For clearing debris after the storm. A sturdy garden shovel and a durable leaf rake will be invaluable.

Having these items ready and in one place means you won't be scrambling when a storm is announced.

What Should I Do to My Plants Before a Hurricane?

Your plants are the heart of your garden, and they need special attention. Different types of plants need different kinds of care.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

This is one of the most important steps. Strong winds can rip branches off trees and shrubs. These flying branches can cause major damage to your home, car, or even people.

• Remove Dead or Weak Branches: Look for any branches that are already dead, diseased, or look weak. These are the first ones to break in high winds. Use your pruning shears or loppers to cut them off cleanly.
• Thin Out Dense Canopies: For larger trees, sometimes thinning out some of the inner branches can help. This allows wind to pass through the tree more easily instead of pushing against a solid wall of leaves. If you have very large trees, consider hiring a certified arborist (tree specialist) to do the trimming. They know how to trim trees safely and in a way that keeps the tree healthy.

Remember, do this well before a storm hits. Trying to prune trees in strong winds or rain is extremely dangerous.

Protect Potted Plants and Containers

Potted plants are especially vulnerable because they can be easily knocked over or carried away by wind.

• Move Indoors: The safest place for most potted plants is inside your home, a garage, or a sturdy shed. If you have delicate plants, definitely bring them in.
• Group Together: If you can't bring them all inside, group your pots closely together in a sheltered area, like against the side of your house or under a sturdy overhang.
• Lay Them Down: For larger, heavier pots that can't be moved easily, gently lay them on their sides. This makes them less likely to catch the wind and topple over.
• Secure with Rope: For very large or heavy planters you can't move, you might be able to tie them to something sturdy, like a fence post or a strong railing, using rope or bungee cords.

Tend to Raised Beds and Garden Beds

Even plants in the ground need some help.

• Water Thoroughly: Before a storm, give your garden a good, deep watering. This helps the soil stay denser and can make plants a bit more flexible and less likely to be uprooted. It also ensures plants have enough moisture if power is out and you can't water for a few days.
• Stake Tall Plants: If you have tall plants like tomatoes, sunflowers, or gladiolus, stake them securely. Use strong stakes and soft ties that won't cut into the plant stems. You can use garden stakes like Garden Stakes 4ft and a gentle garden twine or plant ties.
• Harvest What You Can: If you have fruits or vegetables that are close to being ripe, harvest them! It's better to pick them early than to lose them to the storm. This is especially true for delicate crops.
• Consider Covering Delicate Plants: For very fragile or young plants, you can cover them with a lightweight tarp or even old sheets. Just make sure the covering is secured so it doesn't blow away. Use rocks or bricks around the edges to hold it down.

What About My Garden Decorations and Furniture?

These items might seem harmless, but they can become very dangerous in a hurricane.

Store Away Loose Items

Anything that isn't nailed down needs to be secured or brought inside. This includes:

• Garden Ornaments: Gnomes, bird baths, stepping stones, small statues – if it's light enough to be picked up by wind, bring it in.
• Wind Chimes and Decorative Flags: These are designed to catch the wind, making them perfect projectiles. Take them down.
• Small Tools and Supplies: Hoses, watering cans, small shovels, bags of soil – gather them up and put them in a shed or garage. Even a small garden trowel can become dangerous.

Secure Outdoor Furniture

Patio tables, chairs, umbrellas, and grills can cause major damage if they start flying around.

• Bring Indoors: The safest option is to bring all outdoor furniture inside your home, garage, or shed.
• Tie Down Heavy Items: If you can't bring furniture inside (like a very heavy grill or a sturdy picnic table), tie it down securely. You can use heavy-duty rope or chains to secure them to a strong part of your house or to a tree trunk (make sure the tree is strong enough to hold!). Laying outdoor chairs on their side can also help reduce wind resistance.
• Collapse Umbrellas: Always collapse and secure patio umbrellas. Even if they are heavy, the large surface area can easily catch wind and become airborne. Remove the umbrella from its base if possible and store it.
• Empty and Invert Trash Cans: Empty any outdoor trash cans and lay them on their side, or better yet, bring them into the garage. Even an empty trash can can roll around and cause damage.

How Can I Protect My Garden Structures?

Sheds, greenhouses, and fences also need attention before a storm.

Reinforce Sheds and Greenhouses

These structures are often not built to withstand hurricane-force winds.

• Check for Weak Spots: Walk around your shed or greenhouse. Look for loose panels, weak doors, or broken windows.
• Secure Doors and Windows: Add extra latches or temporary bracing to doors and windows. You can use plywood sheets to cover windows for extra protection. Screw the plywood directly into the frame.
• Anchor Small Sheds: If your shed isn't already anchored to the ground, consider using ground anchors or sandbags around the base to add weight and stability. For a more permanent solution, consult a professional.
• Remove Internal Items: If your greenhouse has shelves or internal equipment that could become loose, remove them or secure them tightly.

Strengthen Fences and Gates

A damaged fence can lead to bigger problems, like animals getting in or out, or debris flying into your yard.

• Inspect for Loose Posts or Panels: Check all fence posts to make sure they are firm in the ground. Look for loose or rotting fence panels.
• Make Repairs: If you find any weak spots, try to make quick repairs before the storm. You might need to add screws to loose panels or brace a wobbly post.
• Secure Gates: Make sure gates are securely latched. Consider adding extra ropes or chains to keep them from swinging open in strong winds.
• Trim Away Overhanging Branches: If tree branches are hanging over your fence, trim them back. A falling branch can easily smash through a fence.

What Else Can I Do to Prepare My Garden?

Beyond the big tasks, there are a few other things that can help.

Clear Gutters and Drains

After a hurricane, there's usually a lot of rain. If your gutters are full of leaves and debris, water can overflow and cause problems.

• Clean Out Gutters: Make sure your gutters are clear so water can drain away freely from your house and garden. Use a gutter cleaning tool if needed.
• Check Drainage Paths: Make sure downspouts direct water away from your home's foundation and garden beds. Clear any drains or culverts in your yard to prevent flooding. Standing water can drown plants and create issues.

Protect Water Features

If you have a pond, fountain, or bird bath, they need special care too.

• Empty Bird Baths and Small Fountains: These can easily blow over. Empty them out and bring them inside.
• Ponds: If you have fish in a pond, ensure they have enough deep water to survive. If the pond has delicate features, consider covering it with a tarp secured with rocks, but be careful not to trap air or collapse the cover into the pond. Turn off pond pumps and filters. Remove any loose decorations or plants from around the pond's edge.

Document Your Garden

This might seem odd, but taking photos or videos of your garden before a storm can be very helpful for insurance purposes.

• Take "Before" Pictures: Walk around your garden and take pictures of everything – your plants, structures, and valuable items. This creates a record of what your garden looked like before the damage.
• Note Any Special Plants: If you have rare or particularly valuable plants, make a note of them. This documentation can be crucial if you need to file an insurance claim for damage to your property.

By following these steps, you'll be giving your garden the best possible chance to weather the storm. Remember, early preparation is key, and even small efforts can make a big difference when hurricane season arrives. Stay safe!