Why Do Plants Look Greener After Rain

Sunlight, water, and air are the three most essential components to growing anything. You can’t go with missing one if you want to grow healthy vegetables, fruits, or any other plant. Lots of hand watering must be done, especially if there isn’t much rainfall in your area. Sometimes, people say plants look even green after a good rain shower. But why do plants look greener after rain?

Air is made up of 78 percent nitrogen. When it rains, it mixes that air into the plants. Nitrogen for plants is like a super boost of energy and is what keeps them green! As the rain seeps into the soil, bringing all that air in with it, the nitrogen is directly soaked up through the soil and into the roots, creating many greener-looking plants.

The article below will discuss why plants look greener after rain and more! Stick around! 

How Green Does the Rain Make Plants?

For a plant to look its greenest, it has to have the perfect amount of rain. Too much rain can wash the plant out. Let’s take a look.

Amount of Rain (in one day)	Shade of Green
0.3 inches	This amount of rain is very  miniscule, so it won’t affect the shade of the plant too much.  Your plants may seem perkier, however the color may not have changed too much.
0.5 inches	This is a much better amount for the plant. At this point, you may notice the  plant to be changing and getting a darker healthier shade of green.
1 inch	For almost all plants, 1 inch is almost the perfect amount of rain. After a day of  rainfall that adds up to about an inch, your plants will be extremely happy the next day.  They will look a vibrant green, perfectly dark.
2 inches	2 inches of rain is still looking okay for plants.  The next day plants will still be looking very  happy, maybe even a bit darker than if they received one inch.
3 inches or more	Most plants do not need more than 2 inches  of water a week. So, if your plants have received more than 2 inches, especially in one day, this  may actually be hurting your plants rather than helping them. Heavy rains can wash out nutrients in the soil, while also waterlogging the soil making it hard for oxygen to flow through the roots. It is also hard for birds and bees to travel in such wet conditions, so pollination could be challenging. Your plants, after a heavy rainfall, may look washed out, less green, maybe even a pale green. They may also even droop a little, like they are thirsty, however they are the exact opposite. In this case, your plants will bounce back. Just let them dry out as much as possible.

Does Rain Make Plants Grow Faster?

After a good rain, you may even think your plants look taller! You are not wrong. Your plants may be a little taller than they were before. Since more nitrogen is being released into the soil with the help of the rain, this is exactly why your plants seem taller. Nitrogen is the key component to plants growing and staying healthy and green. 

Why Is Rain Water So Much Better For Plants Than Hose Water?

Besides the fact that rainwater is mixing with the air, allowing oxygen and nitrogen to be released more quickly into the soil, there is another reason why rainwater is so much better for your plants. Hose water, or tap water, has things like chlorine, salt and fluoride, and other chemicals that aren’t great for plants.

Salt often builds up in garden beds and pots, which can cause problems for your plants. It’s not terrible; you can still grow a happy, healthy garden using this water; however, you can’t beat the natural rainwater. Besides, rainwater has a much better natural pH for keeping soil happy. 

Final Thoughts

Rainwater is the best for your garden and your plants. Free of chemicals and dyes, rainwater has exactly what plants need to be the happiest and healthiest. Using a hose or tap water is fine if need be, but you can’t beat fresh, natural rainwater. Happy gardening!