At the time I write this June is closing. We have plenty of moisture in the ground this year, but that is not always the case. Especially as the summer marches on, drought becomes a real possibility. A few water saving tips can make a difference in how your plants weather the heat and dry times ahead.
5 Tips To Weather A Drought
1 Add compost. To make your soil more moisture retentive and help roots grow deeper, incorporate compost into the soil where they grow. Add it before, as you plant, and as top dressing later.
2Mulch To Conserve Moisture. Like compost, an organic mulch can add humus to the soil, but inorganic mulches can suppress weeds and provide a moisture retentive cover as well. Depending on your needs, consider using types of mulches to conserve moisture.
3Right Plant, Right Place. Plants have differing tolerance for going without water. Drought tolerant plants have deeper root systems (like many prairie plants) or they may have water conserving physical attributes like succulent or hairy foliage. Plants that are native to drier areas are a good choice for gardens that regularly suffer drought conditions. Mediterranean or prairie plants are top on the list.
4Plant Like Choices Together. Whether in containers or flower bed, choose plants with similar needs to plant together. Their light requirements and moisture needs should match up so that all are cared for with just the water they need.
5The Way You Water. The manner in which you water is an important feature of saving waste. If you use sprinklers, much of the water can simply evaporate into the dry air. Better to water long and deeply, using a soaking technique. Watering deeply ( to lower ground levels, encourages the plant roots to move further down into the soil for better drought resistance.
Collect Water
Diverting and collecting water is an important part of conserving. Water barrels help when there is rainfall. Even using watering cans to collect runoff from the gutter is useful. I use this water for containers of flowers.
Rain Saver: Pop Up Water Barrel- 50 Gallon
Rain gardens help divert water from areas around the house. Helping water to soak into the ground, rather than be lost (along with soil nutrients) during rains.
