How to Take Care of Your Garden After Heavy Rain
Tips for Northern Rivers Homes
Northern Rivers NSW is known for its lush landscapes, coastal beauty — and, of course, its unpredictable weather. After a stretch of heavy rainfall like we’ve just had, your garden may look greener, but it can also be left a little waterlogged, messy, or even overwhelmed.
Whether you're a keen gardener or someone who enjoys the view more than the weeding, it’s worth giving your garden a little attention after a downpour. Here’s how to gently help your outdoor space recover — without overdoing it.
1. Check for Waterlogging & Puddling
One of the biggest issues after sustained rain is soggy, compacted soil. If you notice water pooling around your plants or along paths, your garden could be waterlogged. This can lead to root rot, fungal growth, or stressed plants that can’t get enough oxygen.
What you can do:
Gently aerate the soil with a garden fork or even a chopstick — just a few shallow pokes around the base of plants can help water drain and bring oxygen back to the roots.
Avoid walking on or digging in wet garden beds if you can. Heavy foot traffic can compact the soil further.
2. Give Plants Time to Dry Out
After rain, it’s tempting to rush out and “fix” everything. But patience is often the best gardener.
Most plants need a few dry days to recover on their own. Some may look a bit droopy, but that’s often just a temporary response to too much moisture.
Do:
Let your soil dry out before mowing or doing any big clean-ups.
Keep an eye on vulnerable plants — like potted herbs, seedlings, or anything with poor drainage — and move them if needed.
Don’t:
Fertilise immediately after rain. Saturated soil can wash nutrients away or overfeed stressed plants.
Prune wet plants — it can spread disease or damage tender new growth.
3. Clear Away Debris
Wind and rain often leave behind fallen leaves, branches, mulch, and soggy mess — which can smother small plants, trap too much moisture, and invite pests.
A quick tidy-up can work wonders:
Gently remove any debris resting on top of garden beds, lawns, or near drains.
Trim broken or damaged branches, but leave pruning of healthy plants until the weather settles.
This is also a good time to check your gutters, paths, and outdoor seating areas for safety.
4. Support Your Soil
Healthy soil is your garden’s best defence after heavy weather. Rain can strip it of nutrients, compact it, or disturb the balance of organic matter.
Simple soil support:
Add compost or mulch once things dry out — this helps rebalance the ecosystem and protects roots from future weather extremes.
Use raised beds or pots for vulnerable plants in lower-lying areas.
If your garden floods regularly, it might be worth chatting with a landscaper or support worker about ways to improve drainage.
5. Know When to Ask for Help
For many people — especially older adults, NDIS participants, or those with mobility challenges — a waterlogged garden isn’t just inconvenient. It can be unsafe, stressful, or simply too much to manage alone.
That’s okay.
There’s no “right” way to keep a garden — just your way. Whether that’s maintaining a veggie patch, keeping the path clear, or just having a peaceful view out the window, your garden should support your wellbeing, not wear you out.
At Sistability, we quietly support people across the Northern Rivers with things like:
Post-storm garden clean-ups
Regular mowing or light maintenance
Help re-setting outdoor areas after weather events
We’re not here to take over — just to lend a hand where it helps most.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Rain is a blessing for our region, but it can take a toll on our outdoor spaces. With a few gentle steps, your garden can recover, thrive, and even benefit from the extra moisture.
So take it slow, be kind to yourself, and remember: you don’t have to do it all alone.
Need help getting your garden back on track?
Whether it's a quick visit or ongoing support, Sistability is here when you need us — always with care, flexibility, and local understanding. Check our our gardening services HERE.
📍 Servicing Ballina, Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Lismore & the Northern Rivers
