Hi there, my fellow garden enthusiasts!
It’s that time of year again when our Caribbean skies open up and the rain pours down. While the moisture is a blessing after the dry season, it also brings its fair share of gardening headaches! I’ve spent many a rainy season rescuing drowned seedlings and navigating muddy pathways—so here’s some hard-earned wisdom to help your garden not just survive but thrive.
Drainage is Your Best Friend
Let’s start with the big one—drainage. Without it, everything else becomes an uphill battle (or should I say a downhill flood?). Here’s what’s worked for me:
Raise your beds by 8–12 inches to prevent pooling around roots.
Add gravel or stones to the base of beds and containers for extra drainage.
Clear drains and ditches before the rains hit. Debris buildup can cause a swampy mess fast by blocking the flow of water.
Choose Your Rainy Season Warriors
Some plants just handle wet weather better than others. Here are my go-to rainy season champs:
Dasheen – Loves water and gives you tasty leaves for callaloo
Amaranth (Bhaji) – Thrives through storms and gives bountiful leafy greens.
Pigeon Peas – Strong root systems help prevent erosion.
Sweet Potatoes – Their vines protect the soil and tolerate the wet.
Thyme, rosemary, and mint – Perfect for pots; move them under cover when rain gets heavy.
The Fungus Among Us
High humidity = fungal fiesta. Here’s how I keep it in check:
Space your plants to allow good air circulation.
Water early so leaves dry before evening.
Prune regularly—get rid of soggy, diseased leaves. Also helps with air flow.
Homemade fungicide: Mix 1 tbsp baking soda, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and a drop of dish soap in a gallon of water. Spray weekly.
Container Gardening: Your Rainy Season Backup Plan
Use pots with plenty of drainage holes.
Elevate containers on bricks or stones to keep them from sitting in puddles.
Move vulnerable plants to covered sheds or under eaves during downpours.
A simple cover made of clear plastic stretched over a frame can work wonders.
Soil Preservation 101
Mulch bare soil or plant cover crops to prevent erosion.
Create contours on sloped areas to slow down runoff.
Add organic matter to improve drainage and water-holding capacity.
Harvest Quickly, Check Often
In the rainy season, ripe fruits and veggies can rot overnight if you're not careful:
Pick produce as soon as it’s ready—don’t wait for the “perfect” day.
Check your garden daily, especially after heavy rain.
Preserve your harvest: freeze, pickle, or share with neighbors.
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Final Thoughts
Gardening in the Caribbean rainy season can be messy—but it’s also magical. Preparation, flexibility, and a good pair of boots go a long way. The same rain that floods your yard is what keeps our islands green and thriving.
Got your own rainy season survival tips? Share them in the comments—I’m always learning from fellow grey-haired (or any-haired!) gardeners.
Until next time, keep your boots handy and your spirits high—rain or shine!
Happy Gardening!🌸
The Grey-Haired Gardener
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