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Plant drought may occasionally need to be addressed in your garden, given recent heat waves and lack of rain. Find out how you can get flowering plants, shrubs and trees back on track when they are dehydrated. Below are tips for responding in a pinch, as well as proactive measures for continuous protection.
Watering
Water plants and shrubs deeply and slowly, in the early morning before high heat. Use soaker hoses and watering cans for targeting soil and roots. Keep the water pressure low to avoid runoff and soil splashing. Refrain from overhead watering as it wets leaves and causes fungal diseases. Add extra water to sandy soils if plants remain dry.
Newly planted shrubs and trees (this growing season or last year’s) will need extra long soaks, since they don’t yet have established root systems or good water storage ability.
Non-woody plants (green stems) have shallower roots and dry out more quickly than woody shrubs, so they will need more frequent watering. These include annuals, biennials and many perennials.
Mulching
Put a light layer of mulch around plants to keep the soil cool, retain moisture, and keep out weeds. If using a drip hose, make sure it is placed under the mulch so the water reaches the soil. Keep mulch 6 inches away from the base of tree trunks.
Feeding, Pruning and Weeding
Hold off fertilizing plants from later summer on, and during droughts, as feeding encourages them to grow, which will compound the stress. Pruning should be limited to removing dead or dying plant material during droughts. Always remove weeds as they will rob your plants of water and nutrients.
One way to plan in advance for a drought is to capture water from your roof. You can easily obtain a rain barrel from a number of different sources. And the water you collect is yours to use for free! To find out about harvesting water for future use, visit this EPA website for a wealth of information on rain barrels.
There are many beautiful, rugged plants that adapt to short-term dry spells. Some examples of these drought-tolerant marvels include colorful, daisy-like Coneflowers; spring-to-fall blooming Lantana; fragrant Lavender; eye-catching Sedum; and summer-blooming Yarrow.
For top choices of drought-tolerant plants for your growing zone, consult your local County Extension Office. Horticultural professionals are available with helpful gardening information.
Plants are exceptionally vulnerable when deprived of water, their life source. Shield them from deer and also help plants retain moisture with #1-rated Bobbex Deer Repellent.
Composed of organic ingredients including cloves, fish oil and garlic, Bobbex is a topical that sprays on clear. The formula contains a sticking agent that keeps moisture in, a plus during plant drought. The fish oil ensures that Bobbex will not dissolve into a liquid once dry, even during high heat. What’s more, the smell and taste of Bobbex are a turn off to deer, though the scent is not apparent to people after 24 hours.
An occasional dry spell does not mean the inevitable loss of your treasured plants. Proactive measures such as adding drought-tolerant plants, collecting water for future use, and shielding all plants with Bobbex are key ways to reduce the impact of drought. And taking steps to minimize stress while your plants bounce back will help facilitate a fast return to garden health.
