Well, this certainly is overdue.

After months of drought, we're FINALLY getting some much-needed rain. I’m happy for the garden, and just as happy to get a break from watering it 🥵.

Once the rain lets up, there are a few things you can do to make the most of it.

How to make the most of this rain

1) Give your irrigation a break.

Let the rain do its job. Keep your sprinklers or drip systems OFF for as long as possible once the rain stops. Remember: there is no such thing as a watering "schedule". We water in response to soil moisture.

Before turning it back on, check the soil a few inches below the surface. You may be able to leave it off longer than you think.

2) Check your mulch.

Once water has soaked in, mulch helps keep that moisture in the soil. Look for bare spots around established plants and replenish thin areas. Aim for about three inches total, keeping mulch away from trunks and stems.

Leave areas where you’ve just sown seeds uncovered so seedlings can emerge.

3) Pull weeds while they’re small.

Your plants aren’t the only ones enjoying the rain. Watch for a fresh crop of weeds over the next week, and get them out before they have a chance to settle in. A quick pass through the beds now can save you a much bigger job later.

4) Take a look at where the water goes.

Notice any pooling, runoff or soil washing out of a bed? Take a few photos while you can still see what’s happening. Those will be useful when you’re ready to address a drainage problem.

And if you’ve been working hard just to keep everything alive, enjoy the break. You don’t have to turn every bit of good gardening weather into another project.

See you in the garden,

Callie

P.S. Want more flowers in your landscape or fresh vegetables to harvest this winter? Our next two classes will help you get started:

• Native & Perennial Flower Gardens: Saturday, October 17, at 10:00 am
• The Winter Vegetable Garden: Saturday, October 24, at 10:00 am

Both are included when you join The Dallas Garden School, along with our on-demand class library and “Ask Callie” help. You’ll have someone to turn to when you’re standing in the garden wondering what to plant, what went wrong, or what to do next.

Choose from monthly or annual enrollment options. Annual enrollment includes the 2027 North Texas Gardening Handbook & Planner. (News about planner launch coming soon!)