Some soils are more liable to waterlogging than others
Control
Short term
After flooding, wash down hard surfaces and collect up debris to prevent drains blocking, soil surfaces being covered, and pollutants or contaminants lingering in the garden. Wear gloves and overalls to minimise contact with pollutants
Keep off the soil until it is workable, to avoid compacting it and worsening the conditions
Remove damaged shoots from affected plants
After flooding, edible crops near to harvest are best not eaten: no assurances can be given that root crops will be safe to eat, so they should be discarded. Plants eaten raw should be discarded too, and it is prudent to avoid growing salads and other uncooked crops for two years in case disease spores remain in the soil. However, the following year after flooding, it should be safe to grow crops that are to be cooked
Apply a balanced fertiliser in the spring, mulching over the root area after application
Foliar feeds during the growing season may help improve leaf colour, and encourage new root growth
Water thoroughly in dry spells after a waterlogged period, as plants will be more susceptible to drought stress
Choose permeable surfaces when laying drives, paths and patios to allow rain to soak in
Roofs converted into living green roofs absorb storm water and release it slowly
If there is somewhere for water to go, drainage can be installed. Or, where appropriate, it may be worth digging out a ditch or seasonal pond at the lowest part of the garden to catch surplus water and let it soak in slowly
Choose trees and plants that are well suited to wetter soils
Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club
...digging in Dallas since 1993