Wind and storm damage
Wind dries leaves faster than roots can replace the water, browning edges on the windward side. Gales tear leaves, rock roots loose and snap or flatten tall crops like sweetcorn, sunflowers and dill.
Roots & damage
What it looks like
Wind damage is one-sided and appears right after a blow.
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Browned windward edges Leaf margins on the exposed side dry to brown. -
Shredded leaves Large leaves split and tatter. -
Leaning stems Tall crops lean or lie flat, roots partly lifted. -
Snapped tops Stems break at a weak point or a node.
How to confirm it
The weather and the direction confirm it.
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Recent wind
A windy spell or storm in the last few days.
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One side affected
Damage faces the prevailing wind.
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No spread
Unlike disease, it does not spread to new leaves afterwards.
What to do
Stand plants up quickly, while roots can re-anchor.
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Lift and firm
Stand leaning plants upright, firm the soil and earth up round the base.
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Stake and tie
Support tall crops with canes and soft ties.
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Cut off broken stems
Trim snapped shoots cleanly back to a leaf or bud.
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Water in
Water so the soil settles around lifted roots.
Prevent it next time
- Plant sweetcorn in blocks, not rows, so the plants shelter each other.
- Stake tall plants before they need it.
- Use windbreak netting or hedges on exposed sites.
What not to do
Do not leave flattened crops lying for days; stems bend upward and harden in a curve.
In the growing guides
Where the guides mention it, with plant-specific advice.
Sources
- Wind scorch, Royal Horticultural Society
- Weather damage, Royal Horticultural Society