Garden Spot - Drought in the Garden - September 2005

Drought in the garden has become a major gardening issue of the 2005 growing season. Some plantings, especially those that are new and those which are marginally hardy to this zone, will die, despite the most heroic efforts. Gardeners should follow these guidelines to help their gardens survive the drought:

1. Water deeply. While plant stems and leaves are able to absorb some moisture through openings in their surfaces, the water must reach the plant’s roots for best results. Watering heavily twice a week is better than surface sprinkling daily. Probe down into the soil to see how much water has penetrated the soil surface. Gardeners may be surprised to see how much water it takes to actually penetrate the surface and reach the roots.

2. Direct water stream to the base of the plants to get best results. Foliage and flowers dissipate the stream, allowing little to actually reach the soil surface. Also, when hot sun rays hit water droplets on petals and leaves, scorching may result.

3. Water in the morning. Afternoon heat causes evaporation of valuable moisture before it can do the plant any good.

4. Consider mulching next year.

5. Resist temptation to purchase and install new plantings until Lincolnshire gets some autumn moisture and temperature relief.