I’m a fool for a full moon. Whether it’s Wolf Moon, Strawberry Moon or Harvest Moon, I always find myself looking up and wondering how on earth our ancestors came up with such wonderfully evocative names.
July’s full moon, however, has one of my favorites: the Thunder Moon. Fortunately, it’s not called that because the moon herself causing dramatic storms (that would be very Greek myths of!).
Instead, the name comes from the fact that July has historically been one of the windiest months of the year in much of North America, with spectacular thunder and lightning often accompanying the height of summer.
Preparing for The Thunder Moon
Considering it usually heralds the start of storm season, the Thunder Moon is the perfect reminder to give your garden a quick refresh before the next summer storm.
Here are five simple jobs that could save you a lot of pain later.
1. Secure tall plants
(Image credit: Franck Metois/Getty Images)
Summer storms can flatten a season’s hard work in minutes. So before the Thunder Moon, take a few minutes to check that your tomatoes, climbing beans, dahlias, sunflowers and other tall plants are properly supported.
Be sure to tighten loose ties, replace anything that digs into stems, and make sure stakes, cages, and trellises are firmly anchored to the ground. I promise it’s a lot easier to prevent a plant from falling over than it is to save one after it’s broken.
Personally, I like to make life easy on myself and use something like this VELCRO brand adjustable plant ties.
2. Give the containers some shelter
(Image credit: Kschulze/Getty Images)
Potted plants and container gardens they are often the first victims of strong summer winds.
If severe weather is forecast, then be sure to move lightweight containers closer to the house, group smaller pots together for stability, and remove hanging baskets if particularly strong gusts are expected.
Honestly, even a few feet of extra shelter can make an amazing difference.
Buy Garden Essentials containers:
FoxFarm
Happy Frog Potting Soil
A favorite of ours Tyler Schusterthis has been amended with cast earthworms, bat guano and aged forest products for nutrient-rich.
ArtFamy
Hanging baskets for plants
These sturdy hanging baskets use a coconut cocoon design, which ensures good air permeability and drainage.
Terrain
Brass snail watering can
Bold as brass, this watering can (and cheeky snail friend) is a reproduction of a charming vintage find.
3. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!
(Image credit: HannaTor / Shutterstock)
Mulch is often associated with drought, but is just as valuable before heavy rain, making it the perfect Thunder Moon themed garden project.
A two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch is enough to help protect the soil from torrential rains, reducing erosion and preventing water from splashing soil-borne diseases onto plant leaves. It also helps retain moisture once the storm passes and the temperature rises again.
Just remember to keep the mulch two inches away from plant stems and tree trunks.
4. Harvest whatever is ready
(Image: Dmitrii Marchenko/Getty Images)
If you have ripe tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans or summer squash, don’t wait! Take Thunder Moon at its dramatic word, as heavy rain can cause tomatoes to split open, while strong winds can knock ripe fruit completely off the plant.
Harvesting vegetables before a storm means you’ll enjoy it instead of finding it bruised or cracked on the ground the next day.
5. Check your drain
One of the biggest dangers during heavy summer storms is not the rain itself, but where that water ends up.
Clear leaves and debris from drains, gutters and downspouts and make sure the water has somewhere to escape. If you know parts of your garden are prone to waterlogging after heavy rain, consider digging shallow channels to drain excess water away from vulnerable plants.
Make the most of summer storms:
A rain chain is a practical (and beautiful) way to collect rainwater for your garden.
RTS Home Accents
50 gallon rain barrel
This aesthetically pleasing rain barrel comes with a handy rod.
Look, I got it. Thunder Moon may be steeped in folklore, but its name is a timely reminder that summer weather can change in an instant. So while none of us can stop a storm from rolling in (although wouldn’t that be a great superpower?), spending just half an hour preparing your garden in advance can make all the difference.
Secure your plants, get everything ready, check drainage, and let the Thunder Moon be your annual cue to prepare your garden for the storm…before nature tries it. And, as an added bonus, get into the “when God gives you lemons” mindset and throw in a rain barrel or two.
Hey, no point in wasting free water, right?
