When Is A Thunderstorm Actually A Threat To Your Garden?

Thunderstorms are most common in the spring and summer months when the air is warm. This coincides with many plants' growing seasons, giving them the deep drink of water they need to grow. But water isn't the only benefit storms bring to your garden. Thunderstorms also take nitrogen, an essential nutrient, from the air and add it to your soil. When lightning strikes, nitrogen atoms are separated from the air and brought down to the soil by rainfall for plants to absorb.

Despite these benefits, severe thunderstorms can be a threat that ruins your garden. A storm is considered severe if it has hail larger than 1 inch, winds faster than 57.5 mph, or a tornado. For some plants, even less severe storms can cause significant damage. Young and tender plants are susceptible to breakage from wind and hail. Older plants are also at risk due to their natural decline in health. Although severe storms are not as common as regular thunderstorms, it's important to be ready to protect your garden from damage when one occurs.

There are a few ways to protect your plants before a heavy storm hits. Staking and covering are effective ways to shield your plants from the elements. Young, fragile trees should be staked loosely enough so that they can sway slightly in the wind. Staking too tightly can cause them to snap or uproot under the pressure of the wind. Protective covers can be used to shield plants lower to the ground from wind as well as hail. You can purchase garden covers or repurpose old tarps around your home to do the job. Smaller plants can also be covered with buckets that are weighed down. Potted plants can easily be knocked over by strong winds, so it's best to bring the plants inside.

Direct lightning strikes on your plants can cause serious breaks, burns, and even root damage. If the damage is severe, it can even be fatal. Lightning strikes are not completely avoidable, but you can reduce the risk by removing metal objects and other electrical conductors from your yard before a storm. However, it's unsafe to do so during a severe thunderstorm, as it puts you at risk of being struck by lightning.