Article author:
Associated Press
Jessica Damiano
Many people try to save water (and save money) just to do the right thing. However, when a severe drought strikes and states and local governments enforce regulations, water conservation becomes indisputable.
So far, nearly 65% of the United States and Puerto Rico have experienced "abnormally dry" weather this summer, according to US drought monitors. Almost 43% of these locations face "moderate" droughts, and nearly 47% face "severe," "extreme," or "exceptional" droughts. This means that more than 109 million people live in drought.
And many of them have plants and gardens to worry about.
Unfortunately, it's a little late in the season to start trying the two best ways to save water in your garden. First, in the absence of rainwater, rainwater tanks and other rainwater harvesting methods are of little use. Second, xeriscaping, the practice of planting drought-tolerant plants, works only if many of them are native to the area and those plants are already installed. Consider both next year.
Native plants are well adapted to the climate and are more resistant to adverse conditions such as drought. For example, in California, where about 98% of the state is drought, plants such as California Poppy, California Fuchsia, California Lilac, and Mansanita are one of the best native xeriscape plants to use.
List EPA drought-tolerant plant resource edits by state and check epa.gov / watersense / what-plant to find the best option.
Choosing a plant to give water
If you are gardening under water restrictions, choose the plants that need the most water and the plants that you can sacrifice if needed. Give priority. Newly planted trees and shrubs are at the top of the priority list. Regular watering is required until the roots settle, which can take a year.
Remember that old trees, especially fruits, nuts and ornamental trees, as well as evergreens can be hit by drought.
Perennial flowers, which come back year by year and are more expensive than annuals, are listed next to the list, along with flowering and fruiting vegetables. Deep-rooted melons and pumpkins usually require less water than crops such as shallow-rooted corn.
The bottom of the priority list should be annuals, but this is not a long-term investment anyway. Water-requiring crops such as beans, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, corn, lettuce, and radishes. This is because potted plants require more water than underground plants. It is unlikely that it will thrive with a small amount of water that can be provided under the mandated restrictions.
Efficient water supply
Most plants require an average of 1-1 / 2 inches of water per week under normal conditions. This is equivalent to just over 0.5 gallons of water. Per square foot of garden space. However, that need can increase during periods of extreme heat, when the soil dries faster.
Anyway, do not apply the weekly water requirements of the plant at once. Divide into two or three sessions a week and choose watering that is deeper and less frequent than daily watering, which is wasteful and ineffective in saturating the roots. Deeper watering establishes stronger, deeper roots and helps maintain the plant better when surface water becomes unavailable.
Instead of directing water to the roots of the plant, avoid using overhead sprinklers that wet leaves, pavements and other areas. Instead, place a soaker hose or drip irrigation tube in the soil directly above the roots. Watering cans and handheld hoses are also intended for earthwork.
Water should only be given in the morning (or evening if absolutely necessary), but avoid noon when the water can evaporate before reaching the roots.
Consider using so-called reclaimed water, recycled household water, to water the plants. Unsalted water left over from boiled eggs and vegetables provides a nutritious bonus. Not too soapy dishes and bath water will not harm the ornamental plants. Do not apply to food. In addition, the water collected while washing away fruits and vegetables can be used around the garden.
Other tips for reducing thirst
Beds and borders to avoid weeds competing with plants for water and nutrients Keep it. A 3-inch layer of bark mulch, wood chips, or gravel around the plant helps prevent weed seeds from settling, retains soil moisture, and keeps the soil cool.
Set the lawn mower blade high to deepen the roots. Tall grass grows slowly and covers the soil, requiring less water. Repair or replace the leaking hose and bib connection.
Some prohibitions: Avoid fertilizing plants during droughts. This may seem counter-intuitive, but fertilizers promote rapid growth and increase the need for water. Avoid the use of herbicides that tend to drift to other areas during hot weather. Anyway, the effect is low at high temperature.
Do not plant new ones. Also, avoid pruning, which stresses the plants and increases water requirements.
In the future, consider replacing the lawn with a native ground cover. Incorporate generous compost aids into beds and planting holes to improve water retention. Observe the sun exposure requirements for plant tags (shade lovers need more water if there is too much sunlight). And use more native plants.
Next summer, this may be easier.
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Jessica Damiano writes regularly about the Associated Press gardening. As a gardener and educator, she has created The Weekly Dirt newsletter and an annual wall calendar with daily gardening tips. She sends her a note on jessica â † * jessicadamiano.com and find her on jessicadamiano.com and Instagram â † * Jes Damiano.