Particularly for anyone with potted plants or containers as leaving these on the ground during storms could suffocate the roots and lead to severe damage or even kill the plants. ‌Josh Novell, gardening expert at Polhill Garden Centre, warned that rain isn’t as harmless for some plants as people think. Waterlogged soil blocks oxygen, nutrients can’t reach roots, and plants become prone to fungal diseases like root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. ‌“Elevation is one of the easiest ways to protect your plants without complicated landscaping. The expert continued: “Many gardeners instinctively cover plants to protect them from heavy rain, but this can backfire.