Those who complain about spring rains in Oklahoma are often met with the admonition: You won’t be saying that in August.
Such is the rainy-drought cycle of Oklahoma.
And with the onset today of summer — with recent temperatures in the 90s, hasn’t it already started? — near-record rainfall from the past several months may soon become only a memory.
With almost 28 inches of rain in the past 2½ months in Sallisaw, many have adopted the colloquial “Soaklahoma” nickname when talking about the unusually saturated conditions widespread and intense rainfall has produced.
By this time of the year, Oklahoma gardeners are usually encountering parched soil begging for a drink. But the past several weeks have delivered an onslaught of rain in nearly epic proportions. Now gardeners are grappling with how to salvage flowers and vegetables from recordsetting rainfall. With too much water, as with not enough, gardeners may face droopy leaves or leaves turning yellow. This can cause some confusion among gardeners, because these are the same signs of underwatered plants. Despite the abundant rainfall, gardeners may think the plants need a drink, which exacerbates the issue.
“I encourage gardeners to dig around in the soil with their fingers to see how wet or dry the soil is before watering,” says OSU Extension horticulture educator Laura Payne. “Also, check your sprinkler system to make sure it doesn’t come on when the ground is already saturated. Turn it off manually or install sensors.”
Gardeners who don’t have a lot of plants in the ground can dig up the few they do and put them in containers temporarily until the soil dries out. If an established bed is in an area known to hold water, choose water-loving plants such as elephant ears, buttonbush, dapple willow, cardinal flower, sedges, rushes and Feather Reed grass, among others. Another option is to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to increase the drainage capabilities, or consider installing raised beds.
A lot of rain will also result in excessive weeds, which, if left unattended, will go to seed and create more weeds. They’ll grow quickly, but the moist ground will make pulling them easy.
Gardeners will need to monitor for diseases and pests due to all of the rain, cautions David Hillock, OSU Extension consumer horticulturist.
“The abundance of moisture creates favorable conditions for fungal diseases and certain pests,” Hillock said. “Inspect the plants regularly to stay ahead of problems. If the need for pesticides or fungicides is necessary, follow label directions.”
Another way to boost the survivability rate of plants is to stake or trellis plants that have become waterlogged. This will help prevent them from falling over or breaking. Pruning the lower leaves of tomato plants to prevent them from touching the soil helps reduce the risk of diseases.
Also, empty saucers under any containers; the excess water left standing in the saucer can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If possible, move the containers under a covered patio during rainy periods until the soil has a chance to dry out.
Something else to consider is emptying containers in the garden that are holding water, including children’s toys and small swimming pools.
“We’re thankful for the rain, but too much can wreak havoc in the garden,” Hillock said. “These tips will help protect gardeners’ investments of time and money in the landscape.”
For those who have lived in Oklahoma for any extended time, with summer now upon us, the number of rainy days usually dwindle. And as August approaches, that dwindle often becomes a drought.
According to Oklahoma Mesonet, a joint project of the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, Sallisaw received a record 12.46” of rain in April, and May’s 9.24” was the third highest in the past 30 years. Through the first half of June, 5.79” of rain has fallen on Sallisaw. If the last half of June is as wet, the rain gauge will surpass the current high of 9.33” from 2004.
Moreover, if the second half of 2025 can keep up with the first half of the year, Sallisaw’s total for the year will finish just short of 76 inches, which will make it the second wettest year ever behind the 81.91” received in 2015.
