I’m a sucker for a full moon. Whether it’s the Wolf Moon, the Strawberry Moon, or the Harvest Moon, I always find myself looking up and wondering how on earth our ancestors came up with such wonderfully evocative names.
The July full moon, however, has one of my favorites: the Thunder Moon. Thankfully, it isn’t named as such because the moon itself summons dramatic thunderstorms (that would be very Greek mythos of it!).
Instead, the name comes from the fact that July has historically been one of the stormiest months of the year across much of North America, with spectacular thunder and lightning displays often accompanying the height of summer.
Preparing for The Thunder Moon
Considering it usually heralds the beginning of the stormy season, then, the Thunder Moon feels like the perfect reminder to give your garden a quick once-over before the next summer tempest rolls through.
Here are five simple jobs that could save you a lot of heartache later.
1. Secure Tall Plants
Summer storms can flatten a season’s worth of hard work in a matter of minutes. Ahead of the Thunder Moon, then, take a few moments to check that tomatoes, climbing beans, dahlias, sunflowers, and other tall plants are properly supported.
Be sure to tighten loose ties, replace any that are digging into stems, and make sure stakes, cages, and trellises are firmly anchored in the ground. I promise it’s much easier to prevent a plant from falling over than it is to rescue one after it’s snapped.
Personally, I like to make life easy with myself and use something like these VELCRO Brand Adjustable Plant Ties.
2. Give Containers Some Shelter
Potted plants and container gardens are often the first casualties of strong summer winds.
If severe weather is in the forecast, be sure, then, to move lightweight containers closer to the house, group smaller pots together for stability, and take down hanging baskets if particularly strong gusts are expected.
Honestly, even a few feet of extra shelter can make a surprising difference.
Shop Container Garden Essentials:
A favorite with our very own Tyler Schuster, this has been amended with earthworm castings, bat guano, and aged forest products for nutrient-rich goodness.
These sturdy hanging baskets use a coconut coir design, which makes for good air permeability and drainage.
Bold as brass, this watering can (and its cheeky snail friend) is a reproduction of a charming vintage find.
3. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!
Mulch is often associated with drought, but it’s just as valuable before heavy rain, making it an ideal Thunder Moon-themed garden task to crack on with.
A two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch is enough to help cushion the soil against torrential downpours, reducing erosion and preventing water from splashing soil-borne diseases onto plant leaves. It also helps retain moisture once the storm has passed and temperatures climb again.
Just remember to keep mulch a couple of inches away from plant stems and tree trunks.
4. Harvest Anything That’s Ready
If you’ve got ripe tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, or summer squash, don’t wait! Take the Thunder Moon at its dramatic word, as heavy rain can cause tomatoes to split, while strong winds can knock ripe fruit from the plant altogether.
Harvesting veggies before a storm means you’ll get to enjoy it rather than finding it bruised or cracked on the ground the next day.
5. Check Your Drainage
One of the biggest risks during intense summer storms isn’t the rain itself, but rather where that water ends up.
Clear leaves and debris from drains, gutters, and downspouts, and make sure water has somewhere to escape. If you know parts of your garden are prone to pooling after heavy rain, consider digging shallow channels to direct excess water away from vulnerable plants.
Make The Most Of Summer Storms:
The Rain Chain
A rain chain is a practical (and beautiful) way to collect rainwater for your garden.
The Rain Barrel
This aesthetically pleasing rain barrel comes complete with a handy spigot.
The Bee Water Station
Pop these in your garden and your thirsty pollinators will be sure to thank you.
Look, I get it; the 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 thunderstorm from rolling in (although wouldn’t that be a nifty superpower?), spending just half an hour preparing your garden beforehand can make all the difference.
Secure your plants, harvest what’s ready, check your drainage, and let the Thunder Moon be your annual cue to get your garden storm-ready… before nature puts it to the test. And, as an extra bonus, get into that ‘when God gives you lemons’ mindset and set up a rain barrel or two.
Hey, there’s no point wasting free water, right?
