June in the Black Hills is something special. The days stretch long into the evening, the hills deepen into every shade of green, and gardens across Rapid City and the surrounding communities really begin to hit their stride. But as every local gardener knows, June also brings something a little less predictable. Thunderstorm season settles in, often quickly and without much warning, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, hail, and the occasional temperature swing that can leave plants struggling to keep up.
When Summer Storms Roll into the Black Hills
At Jolly Lane Greenhouse, we’ve seen just about every kind of summer storm roll through over the years. As a family rooted right here in the Rapid City area, we understand that gardening in the Black Hills is not just about planting and watering. It is about adapting, observing, and learning to protect what you’ve worked so hard to grow.
Preparing Your Garden Before the Storm Hits
As storm season picks up, a little preparation can make all the difference. When the forecast starts to hint at thunderstorms, it is worth taking a few moments to walk your garden with fresh eyes. Think about how wind moves through your space. The Black Hills terrain can funnel gusts in surprising ways, especially in more open areas or along ridgelines.
Taller plants like tomatoes, sunflowers, and delphiniums often take the brunt of those gusts. Making sure they are properly staked or supported before a storm arrives can prevent snapped stems and lost blooms. It is a simple step, but one that can save weeks of growth.
Containers and hanging baskets are another common casualty in a sudden storm. A strong burst of wind can send lighter pots tumbling before you even realize what is happening. If you have patio containers, herbs in decorative pots, or hanging arrangements, consider moving them to a more sheltered space when storms are expected. Even shifting them closer to a wall or under an overhang can go a long way.
Understanding Rainfall, Drainage, and Waterlogging
Rain can feel like a gift in June, especially after a stretch of warm days, but in our region, it can quickly become too much of a good thing. The soils around Rapid City vary widely, and how your garden handles water depends heavily on what lies beneath the surface.
One of the biggest concerns during back-to-back storms is waterlogging. When soil stays saturated, plant roots struggle to access oxygen. That stress can show up as yellowing leaves, slowed growth, or even root rot if conditions linger too long.
The best defense starts before the rain begins. Gardens with strong drainage are far more resilient during storm season. Raised beds can help move excess water flow through quickly, and working organic matter like compost into your soil improves structure over time. It helps your soil hold onto what plants need while letting excess water drain away.
What to Do During and Immediately After Heavy Rain
When the storm is happening, there is not much to do but let it run its course. Once it passes, that is when your attention matters most.
Take a slow walk through your garden and observe. Look for areas where water is pooling or sitting longer than it should. Low spots, compacted areas, and spaces beneath dense plantings often hold water more than expected. Gently breaking up the surface soil or creating a small path for water to move away can help roots recover faster.
It is also important to be patient. Wet soil is more easily compacted, so try to avoid stepping into beds until things begin to dry out. Giving the soil a little time to breathe again can make a noticeable difference in plant recovery.
Recovering From Hail and Storm Damage
Storms in the Black Hills often bring hail, and this is usually the most discouraging part of the season. Leaves can be shredded overnight, blooms knocked away, and stems broken in ways that feel like a setback you cannot undo.
The good news is that many plants are tougher than they look. While it is important to remove severely damaged stems and clear away debris to prevent disease, it is equally important to give plants time. Many will push new growth once they recover from the initial shock.
One thing to avoid is rushing in with fertilizer right away. After a storm, plants are stressed. Pushing them to grow too fast can make things worse. Instead, allow a few days for stabilization, then gently support them once they show signs of bouncing back.
Plus, you can shop at Jolly Lane for hail netting to help shield your garden from the Black Hills’ unpredictable storms, where hail can sometimes reach the size of golf balls. Hail netting adds a crucial extra layer of protection during thunderstorm season, helping preserve your plants when the weather takes a turn.
The Role of Mulch and Soil Protection
Mulch quietly plays a big role during storm season. A good layer helps reduce soil compaction from heavy rain, limits erosion, and prevents soil from splashing onto leaves, which can spread disease.
After a particularly strong storm, it is worth checking your mulch. It may have shifted or thinned in certain areas. Taking the time to redistribute it can help maintain a consistent layer of protection for the rest of the season.
Growing Stronger Through the Season
Gardening in the Black Hills has always been a balance. We do what we can to prepare, but we also learn to work with the rhythm of the weather. Every storm teaches something. You begin to notice where water flows, which plants hold up best, and how your space responds over time.
That is part of what makes it so rewarding. It is not just about perfect plants. It is about resilience, patience, and connection to the place we call home.
At Jolly Lane Greenhouse, we are here to help you navigate those ups and downs. Whether you are sorting through drainage concerns, choosing plants that handle our regional conditions, or simply figuring out what to do after the last round of storms, our team is ready to share what we have learned, growing right here alongside you.
As the clouds build and the thunder rolls across the hills this June, take a little time to prepare, a little time to observe, and a little time to care for your garden after each storm. With the right approach, your garden can come through storm season stronger, greener, and ready for everything the rest of summer brings.
+ Jolly Lane Greenhouse Featured in HGTV’s Recent “Must Visit Garden Centers” Article!
That same passion for local gardening is part of what recently earned Jolly Lane Greenhouse a spot in HGTV’s list of the “52 Must Visit Garden Centers and Plant Shops Across the Country,” where we were named the top pick for South Dakota. It is an honor that reflects not just the plants we grow, but the community of gardeners we serve every day. Click the image below to read more!
