Your safety is of utmost importance during a typhoon or in any severe weather. Keep dry and safe at all times. Strong winds and heavy rainfall are to be expected so if you are already indoors, stay indoors.
That said, those that want to keep their plants healthy can use some of the tips below:
Before the Typhoon hits
1) Bring your plants indoors: Strong wind and a lot of water can bring down even the hardiest of plants. We've seen mango trees get toppled over at the farm during a signal #2 typhoon, the results on your potted plants can be a lot worse if the wind picks up in your area. Heavy rain can also severely saturate the soil in your pots leading to root rot.
If you have plants in the garden that can't be placed indoors, hill up soil along the plant stem. This will help run water away from the plant and prevent water from pooling. You can also cover the hilling-up with plastic or any mulch to prevent erosion.
2) Stock up on water (You should also have some for you). Plants don't need a lot of water when the weather is cold, damp and they are indoors. But usually after a typhoon hits, water and electricity supply is erratic. Some areas not affected by flooding will also experience the same disruptions.
3) Give them as much light as possible: Since the weather might also be bleak in the next few days, place your plants next to a window right away. So they can soak up on any remaining sunlight
During the Typhoon
1) Keep indoors: If your plants are still outside during a typhoon, just leave them outside. Again, your safety is more important.
2) Water sparingly: Conserve whatever water you have. Plants without sun and heat will need much less water. Water only every 2 or every 3 days. Or water only when the soil dries up.
3) Don't use flashlights on your plants: Regular flashlights do not have the energy to really help the plant with photosynthesis. Conserve batteries for you and your family when the power goes out.
After the Typhoon
1) Bring plants outside for sunlight: A few days indoors might be too much for outdoor plants. Bring them outside ASAP so they can soak up on sunlight. The sun will also help dry out the soil
2) Clean up any debris left especially those that would block sunlight.
3) Use plant spray (for leaves) to quickly give your plants a nutrient boost. This will help in their recovery faster.
To some people, plants are part of the family and taking care of them takes loving compassion. We hope this guide helps you and your plants.
Let us not forget the original plant-titios and plant-titas - We call them farmers. Unlike most of us, they will not be able to bring their crops indoors and most of them will probably end up losing them. We at Homegrown have been preparing to help our farmer brothers and sisters and we hope you are able to join us as well when the need arises.
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Preparation is key but safety is very important. Stay at home, keep safe and dry everyone.
Homegrown Team