While the UK has been enjoying some rare (and intense) heatwaves in recent weeks, in classic British fashion the sunshine is indeed coming to an end, which means one thing and one thing only. The rain is on the way!
Britain's brief taste of summer comes to an end, with the Met Office confirming Saturday was the last day of the heatwave-like conditions. Forecast maps indicate heavy rain spreading across the country, with downpours capable of dumping up to 16mm of rain per hour in some locations. And while us Brits love nothing more than talking about the weather (or rather, complaining about it) we’re not always great at preparing for it.
So, to make sure we get ahead of this wet and wild weather we’ve got all the jobs you need to tackle to ensure you, and your home, are not caught short in these heavy downpours. These are the crucial jobs to do now to prep your home and garden from the rain.
Get off the grass!
Something crucial to remember when the rain starts in order to protect your garden, stay out of it- or more accurately, off of it. You must avoid walking on your grass or soil while it’s wet to avoid damaging anything beneath. Your weight will compact the composition and damage the grass blades, resulting in essential air, water, and nutrients being unable to reach the roots, shown by stunted growth and bare spots.
Check window drainage channels
This is a seriously overlooked job that could make all the difference when it comes to preventing water damage or leaks in your home. Many modern windows have small drainage holes that help rainwater escape from the frame. Over spring and early summer, these can become clogged with dirt, pollen and insects, meaning the water could be prevented from draining properly. Giving them a quick clean before heavy rain arrives can help reduce the risk of soggy disasters.
Clear gutters and drainpipes
If rain is on the way, especially after a long bout of dry weather like the one we’ve just experienced, our gutters and drainpipes can be in need of some serious TLC. Leaves, moss and debris can quickly block gutters, causing water to overflow and run down walls.
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Remove any leaves, moss, twigs and any other kind of debris from the gutters, then run a hose through them to check water flows freely. If water backs up or drains slowly, the drainpipe may be blocked and should be cleared before that heavy rain arrives. Don't forget to check ground-level drains too, as these can quickly become clogged and cause water to pool around your home. And trust me, storm runoff- is not a pretty sight.
Move or secure garden furniture
Thanks to the gorgeous heatwaves, many of us have finally pulled our garden furniture out of hibernation for all the BBQ’s and al fresco picky bit teas we’ve been enjoying these last few weeks. But I’m afraid to say this weather forecast means we need to put them back into a temporary retirement.
Start by grabbing any outdoor cushions and bringing them inside, lest you find a soggy mouldy perch when the sun does eventually return again. Strong winds also often accompany heavy rain, so make sure to store lightweight furniture, pots and decorations in a shed or garage, or secure them to prevent damage.
Harvest
Early summer crops can suffer surprisingly quickly during periods of heavy rain like this. Strawberries, cherries, lettuce and other seasonal favourites may become waterlogged, split or start to rot if left exposed to prolonged downpours. Picking ripe produce before the wet weather arrives helps prevent waste and ensures you enjoy it at its peak. It's also worth checking raised beds and containers afterwards, as warm, wet conditions can encourage fungal diseases and slug activity.
Aerate the soil
So, now you know walking on your lawn during wet weather is a no no - but aerating it, is a whole other thing. Aerating your soil using a garden fork can be a really helpful thing to prevent water from pooling on the surface and help it to penetrate the soil. But, give it a few days before attempting, so it is not sopping wet, and make sure to only do so if you’re able to access the lawn without treading too badly on it.
For simple aeration just pierce the surface repeatedly with your garden fork or hand fork. Quick tip: rock the handle slightly to open the holes if you find you need more space for drainage.
Mind the gaps!
While droughts aren’t often a concern for most households during the summer months, warmer weather downpours can make us think twice about this.
Check around doors, windows and frames for cracked sealant, damaged weatherstripping or small gaps where water could get in. Replacing worn seals and applying fresh caulk where needed can help keep driving rain out, while also improving your home's energy efficiency.
Pay particular attention to older windows and any areas where you've previously noticed draughts or damp patches. Make sure to especially look at spots like garden sheds and garages as these are often the most weather worn parts of the home.
Prepare for pests
Sudden periods of wet weather like this can actually have a side-effect that, in my opinion, is far more annoying than wet floors or frizzy hair. Pests.
Heavy rain can drive insects, slugs and even rodents indoors as they search for dry shelter, particularly at the start of summer when pest activity is increasing. Take a walk around your home and seal any gaps around doors, windows, pipes and vents, repair damaged fly screens, and make sure door sweeps are intact. It's also worth trimming vegetation away from exterior walls and keeping food waste bins tightly closed, as damp conditions can make your home even more appealing to unwanted visitors.
Check for early signs of leaks
Leaks happen, so save the panic and get prepared before the rain actually kicks in. Pop into the loft and look for water stains, damp insulation or daylight showing through the roof. Spotting issues now makes it much easier to identify any new leaks after a storm.
Protect the plants
You’ll want to avoid any casualties in your garden when the rain starts, heavy downpours can make branches heavier and more prone to snapping, particularly if they're already damaged or overgrown. Prune dead, diseased or weak branches and cut back any growth that's hanging over your home, shed or fence. This can help prevent storm damage and reduce the amount of leaves and debris that end up clogging gutters and drains after the fact.
Heavy downpours can also flatten flowers and damage vegetable crops. Stake taller plants, tie in climbing plants and consider temporary covers for delicate inhabitants.
Empty water butts
An often overlooked garden feature that needs some addressing ahead of the rain is the humble water butt. A full water butt can't do its job when heavy rain arrives. Emptying some of the stored water beforehand creates valuable capacity to capture rainfall, helping to reduce excess runoff and ease pressure on drains. It's also a good opportunity to check the lid is secure, clear any debris from filters and make sure taps and connections aren't leaking.
