Rainy days can be a real disappointment for gardeners who are eager to get outside and tend to their plants. But don’t let the rain dampen your gardening spirit! There are plenty of fun and productive garden activities you can do on a rainy day. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
Check your tools and equipment: Take advantage of the downtime to inspect and maintain your gardening tools and equipment. Clean and sharpen your tools, oil moving parts, and check for any rust or damage. Also, make sure your gardening equipment, such as gloves, boots, and rain gear, are in good condition and ready for the next sunny day.
Plan your garden: Use the rainy day to sit down and plan your garden for the upcoming season. Review your notes from previous years, and decide which plants you want to grow and where. Draw a garden layout, taking into consideration the sun and shade patterns in your yard. Make a list of the seeds and plants you need to buy, and start researching the best varieties for your area.
Start seedlings indoors: If you have a greenhouse or a sunny windowsill, use the rainy day to start seedlings for your garden. Some vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers, need a long growing season, so starting them indoors will give you a head start. You can also start herbs, flowers, and other vegetables that are better off started indoors.
Repot indoor plants: If you have indoor plants that have outgrown their containers, take advantage of the rainy day to repot them. Use fresh potting soil and a larger container to give your plants more room to grow. This is also a good time to prune your plants and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
Build a rain garden: A rainy day is the perfect time to start building a rain garden. A rain garden is a low-lying area designed to collect and absorb rainwater, which reduces runoff and helps prevent erosion. Choose a spot in your yard that gets a lot of water, and dig a shallow depression. Fill the depression with native plants that thrive in wet conditions, and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.
Harvest rainwater: Use a rainy day to set up a rain barrel to collect rainwater for your garden. Place the rain barrel under a downspout or in an area that collects a lot of water. Use the collected water to water your garden on sunny days, which can save you money on your water bill.
Create garden art: Rainy days can inspire creativity. Use the day to create garden art, such as painted rocks, birdhouses, or stepping stones. You can also make plant markers from old silverware, wine corks, or other recycled materials.
