Torrential rain has fallen across most of the UK saturating vegetable gardens and flattening crops.

Edgbaston had the highest rainfall recorded in the UK, yesterday, at 75.8mm.Where the garden soil had cracked during the dry weather, the water was able to get away, down the cracks and into the natural drainage system. But if the soil had been walked on, consolidated, or rolled tightly down, the rain sat on the top of the soil surface, unable to get through the top crust. This has caused flooding.

Plant roots drown when sitting in flood-water, as the water pushes the oxygen out of the soil. Peas are one vegetable that does not like wet feet, and the yield of peas will be drastically reduced if pea roots are in water for more than 24 hours.

If the water is sitting on the vegetable bed, it may be possible to dig a gulley to help the water drain away. But the flooded areas should not be walked on, as the soil will become compacted and the water will find it even more difficult to drain away. The best thing to do is to check that all drains are unblocked and that ditches do not have any objects blocking the flow of water. If all the drains are clear, the water level should drop as the general water table lowers.

Strong winds together with heavy rain cause a real problem, and knock down shoots which are loaded with rain water. But plants recover remarkably well as they dry out, and usually perk up again.

The cold temperatures associated with the storms will have checked plant growth. But as temperatures rise, the humidity will increase, which provides perfect conditions for fungal diseases.

Potato blight is prevalent in these conditions, and growers are alerted by checking for a Beaumont Period. When a Beaumont period occurrs, it is recommended that protective fungicides are applied to prevent an outbreak of potato blight.

Soft fruit rots in wet conditions. Weeds prevent air movement in the plant canopy, which slows drying time of flowers and fruits and increases the chances for infection. Pick fruit frequently and early in the day as soon as plants are dry. Cull out all diseased berries but do not leave them in the garden. Handle berries with care to avoid bruising. Refrigerate fruit promptly at 32 to 50 degrees F (0 to 10 degrees C) to check grey mould developing.