The Cool Down
Gardening expert shares video of simple solution to stormwater issue in yard: '…
It's impossible to overplant in your garden, according to one expert.
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Gardening Expert Reveals Simple Trick to Prevent Rain Erosion
A recent video by popular gardening influencer Malakai, known online as "plantwithmalakai," has brought attention to a critical, yet often overlooked, permaculture technique for sustainable soil management. Uploaded on February 2, 2025, the video advocates for "overplanting" garden and food forest areas as a natural defense against the damaging effects of heavy rainfall, specifically soil compaction and erosion. Malakai articulately explains the mechanics behind this method. "The more plants you have, the less compaction in the soil you get," he states in the video, demonstrating how a dense canopy of foliage acts as a natural interceptor. Raindrops, instead of striking the ground with full force, gently land on numerous leaves. This significantly reduces their velocity, allowing the water to gradually trickle down to the soil surface. This "soft landing," as Malakai describes it, is vital for preserving the soil's delicate structure, preventing it from becoming tightly packed or washing away. He stresses the importance of maximizing the number of "drip lines" within a garden, explaining that each leaf contributes to a controlled water flow directly to the plant's root zone. Furthermore, Malakai emphasizes that the soil should ideally be continuously covered, either by a robust, living root system from a diverse plant community or by a substantial layer of organic mulch, approximately 4-8 inches thick. This holistic strategy not only protects the soil from direct rain impact but also enhances its capacity for water absorption and retention, promoting a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem. The insights provided offer valuable guidance for gardeners seeking to build more resilient and productive landscapes.
