July 19, 2007

Dealing with the Drought

I heard on TV that our area (Calhoun County, Alabama) is approximately 21 inches behind on rainfall. Local newspapers and TV broadcasts have been full of hints to save water. One friend told she keeps several buckets in the bath and saves the water that runs until it is warm enough for her to begin to fill up her tub. Another gardener says she saves the water that collects under the air conditioner and even saves the water she washes some dishes in, although I would think you would need to be careful where you use that water. Out West they encourage folks to have less lawn and more xeriscaping gardens—gardening with plants that require very little water.
This summer has been difficult, especially for gardeners who filled their gardens with beautiful plants during the spring and are now struggling to keep them going. I am trying to help my plants become more self-reliant by watering less often but deeper when I water. I know this one sounds strange to mention, sort of a no-brainer, but I try to set sprinklers not to water driveways and the street. Another important tip is to water very very early and not in the heat of the day when too much water will evaporate.
There are many plants which are drought tolerant but no plant is drought tolerant the first year. A little research before you plant can go along way in helping decide if a plant is going to have high maintenance or low maintenance water requirements. Another way to help shrubs survive that first year better is to plant in the fall so, hopefully, the winter rains will help them get a good start. In our part of the country it appears most plants are available in the spring; but there are plenty still available in the fall. A plus here; by then many are on sale. Catalogues have a good selection all year long. I have also seen a crystal like substance which one mixes with the plant soil to help hold onto the water. Of course, mulching your beds keeps the soil from drying out and helps moderate soil temperature, keeping plants warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Amending your planting beds also helps create a better growing environment for your plants.  Healthier plants are stronger plants and more able to survive adverse conditions better.
All gardeners are going to have to become more creative as we try to balance our love of growing with our need to conserve our natural resources—water being one of those.