Watering During Drought – Here Is Everything You Need To Know
It seems that every summer is getting hotter and hotter. This is causing gardeners all over the world a variety of issues. These long periods of scorching weather are hard enough as it is, but it gets even harder when the water resources are low. It’s in these moments that we are reminded what a precious commodity water is. If you live in areas where dry spells quickly turn into drought and water is scarce, it’s important to learn how to reduce your water use and apply it wisely. No one want to see their garden wither away, however, without water this is a likely possibility. On the bright side, there are many things gardeners can do to prepare and deal with these tough periods. Today we will share with you all the tips and tricks you need when it comes to watering during drought.
It seems that every summer is getting hotter and hotter
In this article
Tips For Watering During Drought
Dry spells, drought, atypical weather and limited water resources all present a challenge to gardeners. Plants simply can’t survive without water and another can we. That’s why it’s crucial for gardeners to learn how to water wisely and learn to conserve this precious resources at all costs. There are plenty of ways you can help put your plants even if the temperatures are scorching and the water limited. We will show you how to rethink your use of water, so no drop goes to waste.
Dry spells, drought, atypical weather and limited water resources all present a challenge to gardeners
#Avoid chemical fertilizers
While it may seem like a good idea to bump up the fertilizer during a drought it is not. Even if it may seem like a good way to compensate for the lack of water what you are really doing is just making your plants thirstier. That’s right! Chemical fertilizer does boost your plants to grow, but to do so they need more water as they will start producing more leaves, stems, bulbs, and so on. That’s why we recommend skipping out on chemical fertilizers all together during such times. Instead, go for organic fertilizers or compost. These are more likely to help improves your soil’s ability to absorb, as well as store water making them ideal for dry spells.
Chemical fertilizer does boost your plants to grow, but it also makes them more thirsty
#Mow often
If your lawn is established and has a good root system it will have no problem withstanding some drought. Even if it may be disheartening to see the lawn go brown, it will recover as soon as there is enough water. However, if your lawn is not giving up and going dormant, it’s best to adjust your mowing regime. While you may have a good mowing schedule usually, when there is a drought you may have to do things a bit different. It’s best to raise the height of the cut and set the mower to cut the clipping as tiny as possible. Let the grass clippings stay on the lawn. Longer grass helps to shade the soil better making sure it’s cooler and doesn’t lose as much moisture. Plus, longer grass also produces deeper roots which will help when it’s time for restoration.
If your lawn is not giving up and going dormant, it’s best to adjust your mowing regime
#Watering
Watering during drought is quite the tricky ordeal if you don’t know what you are doing. Since you need to preserve as much water as possible, it’s best to water deeply and less often. This means that you need to water closer to the roots and not sprinkle it from above. Watering infrequently but heavily is the key to keeping your plants thriving when there is a dry spell. It’s also best to water either in the morning after 4 am to 9 am or in the late in the evening. This is to make sure you are avoiding evaporation and that the water actually gets to the plants. If you are concerned of diseases on the foliage, then water only in the morning, as some plants don’t take too well with staying with wet leaves (but that can be avoided by watering at the roots).
You need to water closer to the roots and not sprinkle it from above
#Take care of weeds
Any plant that is in your garden bed that you have not deliberately planted is a weed. Weeds need to be eliminated. Not only are they not aesthetically pleasing, but they are also robbers. These plants have no problem taking up the space your plants need, eating up all their nutrients, and stealing every drop of water! Not only that but some weeds have the ability to secrete chemicals into the soil and stump the growth of the surrounding plants. Greedy little plants. That’s why you need to step up your weed control. When water is limited, you don’t need weeds stealing it from your already thirsty plants.
These weeds have no problem drinking up any water you give your plants
#Prepare for future droughts
It happens even to the best of gardeners to be caught off guard by the hot weather. However, if your plants suffered this year, it doesn’t mean they will have to next season. There are plenty of ways you can protect your garden, prepare it for the harsh weather, and minimize potential damage. You can start collecting rainwater for an independent water supply, apply mulch to lock in the moisture in the soil and prevent weeds, and plant drought tolerant plants that can handle hot weather.
It happens even to the best of gardeners to be caught off guard by the hot weather
These are all the tips we have on watering during drought. We hope you found this article useful. Now even if the weather is hot and the water supplies are low, you will know how to keep your garden alive while conserving as many resources as possible.
These are all the tips we have on watering during drought
Related Articles
