How much is too much rain?

Rain is usually great for vegetables, and saves the farmer from having to turn on the irrigation. But two to three days of heavy endless rain waterlogs soil, washes away mulch and causes fungal disease. When the tiny gaps between soil particles are filled with water, there is no room for air. Constant humidity around leaves creates the perfect conditions for fungal diseases to thrive. The lack of sunlight during a heavy rain event reduces photosynthesis and keeps the ground soggy due to the lack of evaporation. Most vegetables are not from the tropics and so don't know how to survive a humid Summer deluge. The exceptions of course are corn and kang kong, which love the rain. 

Which crops are most affected?

The humid weather is worst for leafy crops like lettuce, rocket and pea shoots which often simply collapse during a heavy rain event. However cucumbers, zucchini and pumpkins can also be affected by mildew and die overnight. 

What can be done about it?

The main preventative measure is to improve soil by adding organic matter. This allows the water to drain more effectively through the soil profile, preventing waterlogging. Another strategy is to grow more than one succession of a crop, so that if some plants die, more are on their way. Often the younger plants can withstand fungal attack better than older and tireder plants that are running out of resources. The most important thing is not to be taken by surprise. As the climate warms, humid conditions in February and March will only get worse so it pays to be prepared. 

Still to come

Next time I will talk about growing flowers on a market farm.  

This week's recipe links

Eggplant with Thai Basil and Chicken from Woks of Life. 

Pea Shoot Salad with Pine Nuts and Manchego from Umami Girl. 

Mediterranean Savoury Muffins from Recipe Tin Eats. 

Pumpkin and Basil Risotto from Taste. 

More info

To read more about what's happening on our local organic farm this week as we grow and care for veggies for our box delivery, check out this week's newsletter here.