Herbs
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Succulents
Did you know that vegetables are about 90% water? It's simple: no water, no harvest! Fortunately, making a few smart adjustments to your routine can result in massive water savings that will keep your garden thriving even during the driest seasons. Here is how to make every drop count:
Use soaker hoses
Lay out a soaker hose alongside rows or through beds to deliver water gradually right to the soil without waste. Because soaker hoses can be degraded by intense sun, always cover them with a 2-inch layer of mulch. Keep in mind that while soaker hoses are much more efficient than overhead sprinklers, they aren't quite as precise as drip irrigation.
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Winter Tip: Bring your hoses indoors before freezing weather hits to avoid damaging the material. A frozen hose can split, causing too much water to erupt in one spot while starving the rest of the line.
Try drip irrigation
Setting this up takes a little more upfront effort because you have to run a small tube to every individual plant, but it works beautifully in small gardens and pots. The tubes and emitters deliver water exactly where you place them—at the base of the plant—and nowhere else. Drip irrigation was perfected for agriculture in desert climates where every drop counts, so it’s no surprise that it is the most efficient watering method available.
Water in sections
Different parts of your garden have different thirst levels depending on the soil, sun exposure, and the crop itself. For example, deeply planted tomatoes (buried two-thirds underground per Bonnie instructions) can access deep soil moisture, while shallow-rooted pole beans might be hurting. Group your garden into sections and use a multi-outlet faucet distributor. This allows you to easily turn on the water for your thirstiest crops while keeping it off for the zones that don't need it.
Water deeply, not frequently
Frequent, shallow watering is a tempting habit, but it forces plant roots to stay near the soil surface, making them incredibly vulnerable to drought. Instead, water deeply once or twice a week.
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How to measure: "Deep watering" means applying at least an inch of water at a time. Place a small, empty container or can in your garden bed; when it fills up to an inch, you’ve watered enough. Avoid standing in place with a hand-hose—patience usually runs out long before the water actually reaches the roots!
Mulch around plants
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around your plants to create a protective barrier against the drying effects of the sun and wind. As a bonus, it blocks sunlight and prevents weed seeds from sprouting. Excellent choices include clean straw, pine straw, shredded leaves, homemade compost, or even a bagged option like Scotts® Nature Scapes®.
Use a timer
An automatic timer attached to your outdoor spigot will turn off the water for you, meaning you don't have to rely on your memory or a hectic schedule. They are an incredibly affordable investment at local garden centers and are worth every penny—making it easy to maintain a beautiful garden and a busy day job at the same time.
For the long term, improve the soil
The ultimate defense against drought is healthy soil. Mix plenty of organic compost into your beds to drastically improve soil texture:
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For Heavy Clay: Clay holds water but bakes as hard as a brick in the sun. Compost keeps it loose and aerated.
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For Sandy Soil: Sand is essentially tiny grains of rock that let water slip right through. Compost acts like a sponge, giving sandy soil the ability to hold onto water from the hose or the heavens.
Collect water in rain barrels
Set up official rain barrels or fashion your own from large, clean containers placed beneath your gutter downspouts. Saving rainwater ensures you have a backup supply for a dry day. Just ensure any container you use is safely out of reach of small children, and always place a fine mesh screen over the top opening to keep out debris and breeding mosquitoes.
For more great ideas, check out these drought-busting techniques from fellow Bonnie gardeners.
