Completely waterlogged veg troughs - what would you do?

[Islay]

We had a ridiculous storm last night, so of course I rushed out this morning to inspect my fledgling veg crops. Most of them have survived intact, but three troughs of beetroots and carrots are completely and utterly waterlogged. I did cut holes in the troughs when I first got them, but obviously not enough, because my poor veggies are swimming!

Unfortunately they were already a bit swimmy due to a lot of rain a few days previously, and were showing no signs of drying out, so I don't think just leaving it is going to solve the problem. I've been out all day and returned to exactly the same situation - a good cm of water above the completely and utterly sodden soil.

There's pics on my blog (in signature) if you want to be able to see more clearly what I mean.

So, would you
(a) accept that the whole lot is ruined, dig up and start again with more holes in the troughs,
(b) attempt to remove the seedlings, put drier compost in and replant,
(c) leave them where they are and see if they drown, rot or flourish?

I'm not mad keen on (c), as it leaves me no real option if the lot die, but I have started some more beet seeds in egg boxes, and could do the same with some carrot seeds, to put out if this lot die.

[MKG]

Hi Islay - I have to wonder about those "holes" you made.

First of all, tip off the excess water. That's easy enough. Now - because your drainage holes are hopelessly blocked with something - stick a pencil or something similar into those holes and wiggle it about a bit. The water should virtually cascade out.

Apart from that, you'll be surprised at how much abuse your crops can take and survive.

Mike

[Thomzo]

I agree, there must be something blocking the holes. It's probably small bits of gravel in the compost. If poking out the holes doesn't work, get a drill and drill a few new holes, they need to be about quarter of an inch diameter. Watch out, though, as the water will rush out as you are drilling the hole so hold the drill above the water level and drill downwards otherwise you could get electrocuted.

When I put holes in a pot, I always put them at the very bottom of the sides of the pot rather than in the base. It just stops the water running straight through and out the bottom and ensures a small reservoir of water in the pot.

Cheers
Zoe

[Islay]

I think I may have been a teensy weensy bit timid in my hole making. I was worried that compost would fall out (I've never grown anything before this year!)

Have just lifted up one trough and the holes are absolutely teeny - I don't think I let my boyfriend near any kind of sensible size drill bit at the time.

Will try to enlarge them tomorrow and see how I get on - not sure how to do it without tipping my compost/seedling soup all over the ground!

[ina]

I spent several hours over the last few days weeding carrots and beetroot for an organic veg grower - if they weren't being grown on ridges, they'd have been under water, too. You can't make the holes bigger in an entire field, or tip it up to drain off excess water. It's just something you have to live with as a farmer and grower - no matter how much you improve field drainage, the weather can still get to you! It's amazing how many of the plants survive, even if they get knocked back.