ATTACK OF WET-WEATHER FOES MAKING THE RAINY SEASON YOUR ALLY.

Byline: Evan Henerson Staff Writer

The rest of us may hate the wet weather, but unfortunately weeds consider it an invitation to come out and party. Ditto snails.

So if you're looking to protect your yard and garden during these February showers, veteran gardeners and landscapers say you need to take steps to keep your outdoors from turning into the West Coast version of the Everglades. You can't do too much while the rain is actually coming down, but remember that plants and soil are resilient and can hold up to even extreme showers. Unless your yard looks like it's ready to slide off a hillside, chances are good that everything will be OK, once things dry out.

There are, however, a few steps you can and should take in the interests of wet-weather yard maintenance. They include:

Weeding. The No. 1 wet-weather pest, weeds should be dispatched as soon as possible, ideally just as they're starting to break through the soil. You can use herbicides or chemicals both for grass and broad-leafed weeds, but most garden-savvy people recommend taking a hoe to them or yanking them by hand.

It's kind of the catch-22 of yard maintenance. You're supposed to get the weeds quickly before they drop seeds and go crazy, but experts also suggest you stay off your soil until it dries. When the ground becomes saturated with water, oxygen trapped in soil pores helps your plants get the nutrients they need. Trampling the soil can squeeze those pores out, said Richard Schulhof, director of Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge.

``You shouldn't be working the soil when it's wet,'' said Schulhof. ``Applying a surface mulch is another good way to control weeds.

``At this time of year, we're too deep into the rainy season to do anything,'' he added. ``You just sort of have to let nature take its course.''

Pest removal. Snails are another wet-weather hazard that can take down plants faster than the harsh weather that brings them. Forward-thinking yardsmen (and women), who put snail bait out during the fall, can sleep a little easier now. Those who didn't should take action now.

To get rid of them, either pluck them off by hand or put out makeshift snail traps, such as pieces of wood draped across rocks. The snails will attach themselves to the bottom of the board and curl up. Then they can be discarded.

Aphids, often thought of as a spring season pest, can also come out in force after a heavy rain. A little soap and water across your plants will wipe them out, said Laura McLean, nursery yard manager at Sperling Nursery in Calabasas.

Drain management. Look around and make sure the water is flowing properly. Keep your drains clean, so that rain water doesn't back up and cause flooding. If you notice standing pools of water, there may be some grading improvements necessary. The rainy season is not the best time to regrade, unless matters have reached a point where the foundation of your house is threatened.

However, you can improve draining by ``double-digging'' areas of your yard where standing water is present. Scoop out a level of soil, about a shovel-full deep. Then, use a spading fork to work the soil underneath. Adding some compost will also help drainage, said Jeff Cox, host of the show ``Grow It'' on Home & Garden Television.

For more severe areas of standing water, Cox suggested digging a French drain - a channel that draws water to a lower spot. Fill the trench half-full with gravel and with plastic slotted ``French drain forms'' - available at building supply stores -over the gravel. Then refill the trench with dirt.

``The groundwater will find its way through the plastic slots and be drawn off down the channel,'' said Cox. ``Drainage is a hard problem that takes heroic measures to correct.''

Tree care. With heavy rains and winds in the forecast, attach small or young trees to stakes or to larger trees to keep them from being blown over. Don't worry so much about root rot, since trees are conditioned to handle normal cycles of water.

They cannot, McLean said, handle over-saturation.

``More than anything, I tell people to turn off their sprinklers,'' said McLean. ``Things that are growing without our assistance take in what rain we get very happily.''

Severed branches or heavy concentrations of fallen leaves and debris should be removed pronto.

Inside plant care. Sure, they're safe from the elements, but remember to give them a spritz anyway, said Virginia Davis, a master gardener who lives in North Hills. Cold and wet weather can mean cranked-up thermostats inside, and warmer temperatures can cause plants to dry out.

CAPTION(S):

4 photos

Photo:

(1 -- cover -- color) After the rain

Protect your lawn and garden from the wet season's threats of snails, slugs and weeds.

(2 -- color) Many plants enjoyed the much-needed rain this month. However, they cannot handle the over-saturation that may occur from improper ground drainage.

(3 -- color) Leaves, branches and debris should be removed from the base of plants to ensure healthy blooms.

(4 -- color) Prevent delicate plants from being blown over by securing stakes.

Phil McCarten/Staff Photographer