What to Do If Your Garden Floods After Heavy Rain
Autumn and winter bring heavy downpours, and for many homeowners in Kent, that means one frustrating problem: a flooded garden. Standing water not only damages lawns and plants but can also cause long-term issues like soil erosion, slippery surfaces, and even damage to patios or nearby foundations.
If your garden has flooded after recent rain, here’s what you can do — and how to stop it from happening again.
🌧 Step 1: Assess the Problem
After the rain stops, take a careful look at where the water is pooling.
Is it near the house or foundations?
Is it in low spots on the lawn?
Is it around paved areas or patios?
This helps identify whether you need a quick fix (like unblocking a drain) or a long-term solution (like new drainage).
🧹 Step 2: Clear Blockages
Often, flooding happens because water can’t drain away properly.
Remove leaves and debris from gutters and drains.
Check soakaways, manholes, and garden drains for clogs.
Clear silt or mud that might have built up during the rain.
🪨 Step 3: Use Aggregates for Temporary Relief
If you need a quick way to deal with standing water:
Spread gravel or crushed concrete over muddy areas to create temporary drainage.
Use sharp sand or ballast under pathways and patios to help water filter away.
Create a short-term channel to guide water away from the problem spot.
💧 Step 4: Invest in Proper Drainage
If your garden floods regularly, you’ll need a longer-term solution. Options include:
French drains: trenches filled with gravel and pipework to divert water.
Soakaways: underground pits that absorb excess rainwater.
Regrading: reshaping the ground so water flows away from your property.
At Kernahans Contractors, we install drainage systems across Kent, keeping gardens and sites dry year-round.
🌱 Step 5: Improve Your Soil
Poor soil structure is a common cause of flooding. Heavy clay soil holds water like a sponge. You can improve it by:
Mixing in twice-screened topsoil to improve drainage.
Adding organic matter to break up clay.
Using raised beds for planting in waterlogged areas.
🚜 When to Call in the Experts
If water is collecting against your home, or if your garden turns into a swamp every time it rains, it’s time to get professional help.
Kernahans Contractors can provide:
Drainage installation and repairs
Aggregate supply and delivery across Kent
Groundworks and excavation to solve waterlogging issues
✅ Final Thoughts
Flooded gardens are more than just inconvenient — they can damage your property and ruin your outdoor space. With the right aggregates, soil, and drainage solutions, you can enjoy a drier, healthier garden even through the wettest months.
📞 Need help with drainage or aggregates? Contact Kernahans Contractors today on 01634 907072 or email enquiries@kernahans-contractors.co.uk. We supply aggregates and provide drainage services throughout Kent.
