Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, and for many of us, these changing conditions are shaping how we tend to our gardens. Drought, in particular, presents unique challenges, especially for those of us on well water, where conserving every drop is crucial. Here are some practical tips to help your garden survive while being mindful of water conservation and soil health.
Check Moisture Levels: Instead of relying on appearances, check your soil’s moisture levels by digging down about 6 inches with a small shovel or your hands. If the soil is still cool and damp at that depth, you can hold off on watering. This simple check can help prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot, even in a drought.
Understanding Hydrophobic Soil: In times of drought, soil can become hydrophobic, meaning it repels water rather than absorbing it. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to water, only to see it run off. To combat this, water slowly and deeply. Start with a light sprinkling to break the surface tension, then follow up with more thorough watering. Adding organic matter like compost can also help the soil retain moisture in the long term.
Mulch, Mulch, Mulch: Mulching is one of the most effective ways to conserve moisture in your garden, especially during a drought. A thick layer of organic mulch—such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips—insulates the soil, keeping it cooler and reducing evaporation. Mulch also prevents weeds from competing for water and, as it breaks down, adds organic matter to the soil. Aim for 2-3 inches of mulch around your plants to lock in moisture and protect the soil from the sun.
Keep Grasses Long: While I’m not particularly invested in turf, keeping your grass long during a drought serves an important purpose: it shades the soil. Taller grass helps retain moisture by reducing evaporation, and allowing the lawn to go dormant is perfectly fine.
Take Care of Your Trees: Prolonged drought can cause lasting damage to trees (even established ones), so it’s essential to water them deeply and infrequently. Focus on watering at the drip line—the area beneath the outermost branches—where most of the feeder roots are located. And resist the urge to prune trees during a drought! Pruning can stimulate new growth, which adds stress to the tree when it’s already struggling in dry conditions.
Pick Your FavoritesIn a severe drought, it might be time to prioritise. Certain plants, especially annuals, are the ‘divas’ of the garden—they require constant attention and water. If your resources are stretched thin, focus on your hardier perennials or plants that provide the most value to your garden. There’s always next season for those high-maintenance plants. Sometimes, it’s about letting go and giving your garden (and yourself) a little breathing room.
Use Water Wisely: Water deeply and less frequently to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil. This creates more resilient plants. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation, and focus on plants that need it most. Grouping plants with similar water needs together can also help make the most of every watering session.
Prioritize Climate-Appropriate Plantings: As we adapt to more extreme weather, it’s important to rethink plant choices. Hydrangeas (sorry!) may be beautiful, but they’re not exactly suited to hot, dry conditions. Consider prioritizing plants that are more climate-appropriate, especially native species that are well-adapted to your local environment. Native plants not only handle drought better, but they also support local wildlife and promote healthy ecosystems. Protecting your soil and making thoughtful plant selections are key to keeping your garden sustainable in the long run.
Drought conditions force us to rethink how we care for our gardens, but with the right strategies—like mulching, checking soil moisture, and choosing resilient plants—we can help our gardens (and sanity) survive and thrive, even under challenging conditions. Remember, gardening is about working with nature, and sometimes that means making hard choices about what to nurture and what to let go.
“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.” ~Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmere
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