Gardening Made Easy: The Real Reason Your Plants Struggle in the Rain and What You Can Do About It

The monsoon season, typically between June and September in most parts of India, is a time when the environment undergoes a massive change. Dust-laden trees are washed clean, rivers begin to swell, and dry soils receive the life-giving rains they have long awaited. 

For gardeners, it appears to be a season of abundance, a natural blessing where plants bloom and flourish. However, while rainwater nourishes plants, it also brings a set of distinct challenges that must be carefully managed to maintain a healthy and productive garden.

Many Indian gardeners, especially those new to the practice or used to dry-season care routines, inadvertently make avoidable mistakes during the monsoon months. These errors can lead to waterlogged roots, an explosion of pests, and rapid plant disease. 

In this guide, we explore the most common monsoon gardening pitfalls and provide practical solutions to help your garden survive the rains.

1. Poor drainage and excessive water retention

The problem:

One of the most frequent and detrimental errors made during the monsoon is neglecting proper drainage. While the rains bring essential hydration, too much of it without a means to escape can suffocate plant roots, particularly in potted plants or garden beds with compacted soil. Standing water is harmful to roots, attracts mosquitoes, and causes fungal growth.

The fix:

To prevent waterlogging, make sure that all pots have sufficient and unblocked drainage holes at the bottom. Consider placing pots on bricks or raised platforms to avoid direct contact with wet ground. 

In garden beds, amend the soil with sand, cocopeat, or coarse compost to improve permeability. Avoid using dense clay-based soils during this period, as they retain too much water. Regularly inspect your garden during and after rainfall to identify areas where water pools and address them promptly.

2. Overwatering Despite Rainfall

The problem:

Some gardeners continue their regular watering schedules during the monsoon, failing to account for natural rainfall. This results in overly saturated soil, which can deprive roots of oxygen and lead to rot.

The fix:

Always check soil moisture before watering. A simple finger test, where you insert your finger about two inches into the soil, can help you assess whether additional watering is necessary. If the soil feels damp, it is best to hold off. 

Also, consider using mulch made from dried leaves or straw around your plants. Mulch helps in regulating moisture levels, reduces weed growth, and minimises the impact of heavy raindrops on delicate root systems.

3. Ignoring fungal infections and pest infestations

The problem:

The humid and damp conditions of the Indian monsoon are ideal for fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Additionally, pests like snails, slugs, aphids, and mealybugs proliferate rapidly during this time. 

Gardeners who fail to observe their plants closely or take preventive steps often find their greenery overrun with disease and pests by the time the symptoms are evident.

The fix:

The best defence is early intervention. Spray plants weekly with organic fungicides such as neem oil or a mild baking soda solution (one teaspoon of baking soda in one litre of water). Avoid overhead watering, as wet leaves contribute to fungal growth. 

Inspect the undersides of leaves for insects and signs of chewing or discolouration. Remove slugs and snails by hand in the early morning or set out shallow trays of beer to trap them. Keeping the garden clean and well-ventilated goes a long way in preventing infestations.

4. Using unsuitable soil for the season

The problem:

Soil structure plays a critical role in plant health, especially during the rainy season. Heavy, compact soils, common in many Indian regions, tend to retain water and can become sticky and anaerobic. 

In such environments, roots find it difficult to breathe, leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves.

The fix:

To correct this, avoid relying solely on native garden soil. Mix in components that improve drainage, such as coarse sand, leaf compost, or perlite. For potted plants, always use a well-balanced and light potting mix suited for monsoon conditions. 

Avoid the use of synthetic fertilisers during the monsoon, as excessive moisture can cause a buildup of salts, further damaging root systems.

5. Planting without seasonal awareness

The problem:

In their enthusiasm, many gardeners plant whatever seeds they have available without considering if the plant is suited for the rainy season. Non-monsoon plants often struggle to grow in wet conditions and are more susceptible to disease.

The fix:

Instead, focus on cultivating plants that grow during the monsoon. Vegetables like okra (bhindi), spinach (palak), ridge gourd (turai), and chillies perform well. Herbs such as basil (tulsi) and coriander love moisture, while flowers like hibiscus, balsam, and cosmos add colour without being susceptible to excessive rain. Always consult a planting calendar tailored to your climate zone in India.

6. Neglecting support for tall or climbing plants

The problem:

Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds can easily topple tall plants or break unsupported stems. Climbers such as bottle gourd, beans, and pumpkin vines are particularly vulnerable during the monsoon. Unfortunately, many gardeners underestimate the strength of the weather and do not provide timely support structures.

The fix:

Use strong bamboo stakes, wooden trellises, or wire supports to stabilise plants. For climbers, make sure the support extends as the plant grows and is anchored well to withstand wind. Regularly check the ties used to secure stems, making sure they are not too tight or cutting into soft growth. Supporting plants early reduces the risk of losing mature specimens during storms.

7. Ignoring regular pruning and garden hygiene

The problem:

During the monsoon, plants grow rapidly, but so does the accumulation of dead and decaying matter. Fallen leaves, broken branches, and wilting flowers, if left unattended, create breeding grounds for fungi and insects. Many gardeners overlook this, assuming nature will take care of itself.

The fix:

Regular pruning of dead, diseased, or yellowing leaves helps improve air circulation and reduces disease risk. Always use clean, sharp tools and prune during dry spells to avoid spreading fungal spores. Keep the garden floor clean by removing organic debris and disposing of it properly. Do not compost infected material. Maintain airflow around plants by spacing them correctly and thinning dense foliage where necessary.