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Vegetable Gardening

planting seeds before thunderstorm, covering?

12 years ago

I just returned to Illinois from college and am in charge of my family's vegetable garden. I haven't been able to plant yet, because my college is hundreds of miles away. I want to plant soon because it's already a bit late in the season. I've been waiting for my soil to dry after several rainy days, and I'm planning on planting tomorrow because the soil will be relatively dry and I need to plant soon. However, I'm concerned because there are thunderstorms scheduled for this coming week and I don't want my newly planted seeds to wash away! I don't want to wait another week to plant though, because then it will be even later.

None of the seeds that I am planting need light to germinate. I was toying with covering the newly planted seeds with staked black garbage bags to protect them from heavy rains. I would remove these bags when it is not downpouring, and as soon as the seeds germinate. Do you think this would work? Or would it encourage seed rot?

Thank you so much! This is the first year that I am in charge of the whole garden and I really don't want to mess it up!

Featured Answer

Ashley Mann

9 years ago

I know this is an old thread, but in case others have the same question...you could lay a board or piece of wood over them. Just for a day or two, of course.

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Comments (8)

laceyvail 6A, WV
12 years ago
Sowing seeds before a rain is ideal. Plant your garden.
juntawillow - Z5 Chi
12 years ago
Carmwhit - I haven't tried this, but a friend of mine had luck this year buying some burlap fabric at a regular fabric store. She put this over her carrots and such and everything was fine. I didn't - - and all my carrots washed away. :(
Live and learn. Next set of seeds going in this weekend!

Best of luck! Keep us posted on your progress.
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denninmi
12 years ago
Something that the rain can pass gently gently through might be better, but black plastic will work. You will have to check each crop daily for germination and remove as soon as it happens. Otherwise, the seedlings will be blanched, and may also cook under the plastic when the sun comes out.

Overall, though, the concept would work if monitored properly.
0
caroliniannjer
12 years ago
I keep row covers around for when it starts getting nippy

I would just cover them with that and stake it down with ground clips
(I cut U-shaped pieces from old metal hangers to make ground clips)
happyday
12 years ago
Seeds are supposed to be rained on. That's how they germinate.
Belgianpup
12 years ago
If you are worried about flooding, wait. If it's just some relatively heavy rain, the burlap suggestion is excellent, and if it's just rain, plant.

I've heard that the ozone in the air from thunderstorms makes plants grow faster. Maybe.

Sue
wayne_5 zone 6a Central Indiana
12 years ago
Some seeds do better than others if they are rained on. I definitely don't want lima bean seed rained on...they hate wet and cold soil.

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