The south west has really had a time of it, with more rain to come. We're in the Scottish Borders and it seems like it's been raining for weeks. Luckily, we're not in a flood prone area with no streams nearby. But the ground is saturated and we have a sump pond that is now full and water is flowing from the drainage pipe into a gully.
We've started a veg bed this year on the higher ground in the garden so I'm hoping for good results. It will be trial and error.
I was very interested to read your post. I hadn't realised that you couldn't eat the produce from a veg bed after flooding. It makes sense now you've said it but goodness, what a waste! Heartbreaking too I imagine.
Really apprieciate the detailed breakdown on waterlogged soil biology. I had root die-back last spring from ignoring wet patches in raised beds and now I'm mounding everyhting. The list of flood-tolerant perennials is gold especially Ligularia becasue those get overlooked.
If you google 'biochar flood control' you find some very useful information. Happy to share as we are working with Southern Water on flood control here in East Sussex and I can keep you updated as the results come in www.carbongold.com
This has been so interesting. Thank you. We live in Scotland, central belt; are blessed with free draining soil unless we dig down 2 metres! But just starting to create a new garden from a nutrient poor field and conscious of the change in weather here in only 5 years of being here. Need to teleport down to join some of your fascinating talks and courses. Starting to keep a weather record.
I've recently moved to Scotland as well. Started a small veg garden this year in a grassed over area so it will be interesting to see what grows well. The soil is quite wet from the rain but not flooded. I think we've got off luckily so far.
I am so sorry this happened. Perhaps when the water subsides, one could consider using water troughs as raised beds, and use the straw bale method to build soil. Or even get a chip drop to fill the troughs and mix the chips with lawn clippings and coffee grounds for nitrogen, and let it all decompose for a while to create low-cost soil. It is too bad our species took a turn to the dark-side and have produced so many toxins that foul the environments we depend on.
Stressing the importance of raised beds, subsoil tillage, and clean, chopped organic winter wheat straw amending. It is the perfect shape (tubular), element (carbon) and weed seed free if WINTER varieties are used.
The south west has really had a time of it, with more rain to come. We're in the Scottish Borders and it seems like it's been raining for weeks. Luckily, we're not in a flood prone area with no streams nearby. But the ground is saturated and we have a sump pond that is now full and water is flowing from the drainage pipe into a gully.
We've started a veg bed this year on the higher ground in the garden so I'm hoping for good results. It will be trial and error.
I was very interested to read your post. I hadn't realised that you couldn't eat the produce from a veg bed after flooding. It makes sense now you've said it but goodness, what a waste! Heartbreaking too I imagine.
Flood water carries so many pollutants.... As well as loads of microplastics
Really apprieciate the detailed breakdown on waterlogged soil biology. I had root die-back last spring from ignoring wet patches in raised beds and now I'm mounding everyhting. The list of flood-tolerant perennials is gold especially Ligularia becasue those get overlooked.
Thank you!
If you google 'biochar flood control' you find some very useful information. Happy to share as we are working with Southern Water on flood control here in East Sussex and I can keep you updated as the results come in www.carbongold.com
This has been so interesting. Thank you. We live in Scotland, central belt; are blessed with free draining soil unless we dig down 2 metres! But just starting to create a new garden from a nutrient poor field and conscious of the change in weather here in only 5 years of being here. Need to teleport down to join some of your fascinating talks and courses. Starting to keep a weather record.
I've recently moved to Scotland as well. Started a small veg garden this year in a grassed over area so it will be interesting to see what grows well. The soil is quite wet from the rain but not flooded. I think we've got off luckily so far.
I did wonder when I saw your location as Scotland - you were down in south before?
Yes, I was in Cambridgeshire. My family and I moved north in 2025. We have cleaner air and more garden here!
Nutrient poor field is quite good as a bit of stress creates resilient plants ! Check out my talks - some of them are by zoom and clubs accept guests
I am so sorry this happened. Perhaps when the water subsides, one could consider using water troughs as raised beds, and use the straw bale method to build soil. Or even get a chip drop to fill the troughs and mix the chips with lawn clippings and coffee grounds for nitrogen, and let it all decompose for a while to create low-cost soil. It is too bad our species took a turn to the dark-side and have produced so many toxins that foul the environments we depend on.
Stressing the importance of raised beds, subsoil tillage, and clean, chopped organic winter wheat straw amending. It is the perfect shape (tubular), element (carbon) and weed seed free if WINTER varieties are used.
Chopped organic straw if you can get it us a great idea
I'm in the regressive Red state of Missouri. I grow between 200-400 acres per. Wish I was closer..