Replanting Through Heartbreak: Gardening After Helene

Ashley Reid
2025-03-25T10:00:04-04:00

Hurricane Helene has changed our lives in Western North Carolina. We are not the same as we were before... and neither are our lands. In this post, we dive into what are the next steps we need to take to start the work of reclaiming back our gardens and backyard crops. How together, we will rise up different and better than before.

More

I don't think it will just be years, as to how long we will see the effects of Hurricane Helene in these mountains. For everyone who witnessed the disaster, its impact will last a lifetime. A heavy burden that will resurface in every storm that follows. An inescapable memory whenever we look at our lands, and think of what was. While we keep holding space for our heartbreak and taking those deep breaths, we have to ask “What now?” For those of us whose gardens were our pride, whose crops were our livelihood, or whose homesteading dreams were uprooted…where do we begin?

Manage Expectations

If you haven’t already begun the laborious process of repairing your land, you may be surprised by just how much work it takes. While this can be disheartening, and without a doubt emotional, the speed at which you work won’t change what has happened. Varying levels of damage will see different metrics of work and recovery. But remind yourself that as Rome wasn’t built in a day, a farmer requires patience. No matter which way you cut it, things won’t be as they were before, but from that, we can also grow. There will most definitely be some ruin that you haven’t yet seen. Crushed fruit trees that were your pride & joy, or, the raised beds that are now as good as firewood. Give yourself breaks, and lots of grace. Your land will be waiting for you.

Remove the Debris

OK. Now that we know what to expect, it's time to push up our sleeves, put on some music, and do the thing. Debris pickup. Knowing your limits and safety are always priority number one. Dress for success with long sleeves and pants, and boots with decent traction. My thick elk skin gloves are my must-have for anything poky or grimy. They’ve lasted for years, and I suggest them to everyone, but any thick gloves are fine in a pinch. If you’re more of the pepper-picking type, and less heavy machinery (ie; me), now is a good time to call your local tree company, if need be. In my neighborhood we were lucky enough to have some helpful neighbors do most of the small tree jobs, free of charge. All too happy to assist those without chainsaws or know-how. If Helene did anything positive, it without a doubt showed us all how important relying on and helping your community is. Many friends and neighbors are more than willing to lend you a helping hand right now. Don’t be scared to ask for help, we all need it. I know a lot of people moved their tree debris to the curb for *eventual* pickup. But safely burning is an option for the smaller wood piles too. If you plan on building raised beds anytime soon you can save a few varieties of logs and small sticks to fill the bottom of those beds with organic matter. We gotta get out all the old before we can see what we’re working with.

Drain, Drain, Drain!

If you sustained flood or water damage, now is the time to look at what measures you need to take for drainage. While it may not help immediately, it will protect your garden from future water damage. Raised beds are the easiest solution for keeping excess water from damaging your garden, but not practical for large gardens or whole groves. A French drain is a great option for most home gardens and even larger parcels. A French drain is a plastic or PVC pipe buried underground and surrounded by gravel. Since the pipe is drilled with holes it allows the water to filter through the gravel, dispersing safely away from your garden. This is a common practice amongst landscapers as it is particularly effective with sloping terrain. This is a product that can be bought but is quite doable for the average DIYer. Incorporating beneficial plants, like moisture-absorbing shrubs or cover crops, is a natural way to promote permaculture in your garden

Prepare Your Soil

Intense rainfall, water, or landslides will not only wreak havoc on your land but likely your soil as well. Many nutrients have been washed away, or eroded during such intense disasters. Because floodwaters leave contaminated silts and mud behind, it is a good idea to test garden soils for possible contaminants. You can grab a kit from your local hardware store to do it at home with quick results. Alternatively, and for free, you can send a sample to the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Soils Lab. I think this could be a fun project for the kids to get involved in as well, with ample teaching opportunities. If your earth is compact or dense, then next up is to aerate your soil. This is more simple than it sounds. While you can get machinery for this, you can also go old school and use a garden fork to create punches as well. This ensures the roots grow deep and strong, as well as air penetrating the soil. Next up is to add back some amendments! Your organic materials are the star here. Compost and aged manure are the best choices for the job, but if you can’t source those old mulch and grass clippings can work in small amounts as well. Depending if your garden sustained just heavy rainfall from Helene or floodwaters, is an important consideration on when you want to replant. While some say that 100 days before replanting in floodwaters is fine, others say that rebuilding your soil for about a year and continuously testing is better. Ornamental gardeners and flower farms needn't worry as much about this, but it is food for thought. Reminding us again how important testing the soil is. You wouldn't be advised to build a house with a bad foundation. You must pivot and see how to build it better.

Seeds of Hope

The devastation left by Hurricane Helene is more than just a temporary setback—it’s a lasting wound etched into the land and the hearts of those who witnessed it. But we are strong. We will rebuild. And there is nothing that spells hope more than planting seeds for tomorrow. The work can be slow, but necessary. The process of rebuilding starts with managing expectations and giving yourself grace. From clearing debris and improving drainage to restoring soil health, these steps will help you reclaim your space, one careful effort at a time. With patience, community support, and resilience, we can cultivate new growth—even from loss.

Written by: Ashley Reid