A long, wet, Winter followed by a long, wet Spring means millions of British gardens are suffering from the catastrophic effects of waterlogging, damaged plants, and bug infestations.

According to data from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, nearly a fifth (17 per cent) of UK residents said their lawns were ruined, while 15 per cent said their plants and trees had been damaged. According to government statistics, the 18-month period starting in November 2022 and ending in April 2024, has been the wettest on record (since 1871).

With the sun returning for most at the weekend after the latest excessive downpour, it's a good time to get our gardens looking less bedraggled, but experts are warning that care needs to be taken due to the unusual weather conditions that our gardens have seen. Many of us will be making the most of an extra day's holiday to work on our outdoor spaces ahead of summer, but the usual treatment might not be what your gardens need this Bank Holiday.

From when and how to mow wet lawns, to when to water your plants, there are a variety of specialist tips that will help you keep your garden healthy and thriving despite the inclement weather.

James Lewis, expert gardener from MyBuilder.com, said that so much rain has caused many gardens to have a lack of light and warmth this spring. This means that the ground has not dried up as significantly as would have been expected at this time of year.

"The ground may seem dry now, but actually it's still significantly wetter than usual, especially in shady areas. This causes issues with lawns and many plants, so they need specific care or you risk causing even more damage. Too much water can lead to a lack of absorption, and effectively is as bad as no water at all. Roots can rot and plants need space to breathe.

"The prolonged period of damp in the ground may also have caused damage to fence posts and sheds, so it's vital to check the condition of these so they can be treated before they are beyond repair."

Here are MyBuilder.com tips for the weekend ahead: 

Lawn care

Lawns may finally be free of puddles, but with more rain forecast it's a good time to consider drainage. Aerating your grass is a great step, and can be done simply with a garden fork. Make some small holes across your lawn to help water drain away into your soil to prevent pooling. This will also help in warmer weather, when we need rainwater to penetrate the soil to grow healthy blades of grass. If the ground seems wet, it's vital not to cut your lawn too short. Doing so can pull up grass, damage blades, and expose it to disease - as well as damaging your lawn mower. Once the weather is drier, consider fertilising and treating lawns, As previous treatments may not have worked due to so much rainwater.

Water in the morning

If the rain stops, we need to start watering plants. While many of us wait until evening to water plants, it's better to do so in the mornings. As the ground is wetter than normal, pests such as snail and slugs, as well as mildew-based diseases, are thriving. Watering in the morning means the soil surface will stay drier for longer periods, which will help keep these problems at bay. If it's difficult to water in the morning, you may want to consider an irrigation system.

Collect your rainwater

While the rain is causing problems, collecting it can save your plants in more ways than one. Waterlogged roots prevent absorption, causing the same effect as a drought. Catching rainwater in drainage systems can support your plants, as well as giving you means of watering when the weather gets warmer. Drainage systems can range from sophisticated underground pipes and tanks to a simple water butt.

Mulch your beds

Choosing the right sort of mulch is important for wet gardens, as too much mulch can actually exacerbate the problem and cause fungal growth on plant roots. Go for the coarser options such as gravel or wood chips, as these allow for better drainage and air circulation.

Let your garden breathe

During periods of wet weather when drainage can be a problem, plants need good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases and to have space to grow. To facilitate this, make sure that any overgrown foliage is trimmed back and that crowded plants are thinned to give them a chance to grow. If you have taller plants or trees to take care of, consider getting a landscaper in to install trellis for support, or a tree surgeon in to take off any damaged or rotting branches.

Check your wood

Prolonged rainfall is very damaging to wood, with a high risk of fungal growth and mould. This can rot the wood, meaning your fence is vulnerable to falling down especially in windy weather. If your fence or shed has been treated before installation, then it is less likely to be damaged, but it's still worth walking your fence line or shed to look for any damage. If the weather allows, pressure wash your shed or fence to clean it which will make it easier to spot any issues. If you find any damage, replace the affected posts. Once your woodwork Is cleaned and dry, it's worth staining or painting to protect it.