Worry-Free Watering

It has been a hot, hot, HOT summer in some regions, and if you live in an area that also hasn’t been receiving much rainfall, or if you’ve had to conserve water due to drought, your plants might be looking a little bit on the fried side.

But there’s good news! Plenty of plants don’t require much moisture at all. If you pick some up now, you’ll have a garden full of gorgeous blooming perennials and happy plants that won’t suffer when the next heatwave summer rolls around. Look for these general characteristics when you're shopping for plants or flowers that require less water:

• Deep roots that resent being transplanted—peonies, for instance.
• Fleshy, thickened roots that hold moisture, like daylilies.
• Silver or gray leaves with waxy or hairy coverings, such as lavenders and dusty miller.
• Thin or narrow leaves. For example, yuccas and many ornamental grasses.
• Fleshy leaves and stems, such as cacti and other succulents.

Keep in mind that even the most drought-tolerant plants still need a steady supply of water while their root systems are forming. The amount varies, but in most cases, it’s about an inch of water a week, either from your hose or from Mother Nature’s rain clouds.

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Drought Dos and Don’ts

We all know that prolonged dry spells seem to be hitting more of the country every year, and this HOT summer is certainly driving that point home for lots of folks. So when a prolonged dry spell hits your neck of the woods, follow this plan of action (or in some cases, non-action) to help your lawn survive:

Spread the wealth. Give your lawn a bit of extra protection by applying another ½-inch layer of compost. (This should be in addition to the layer you applied in the spring.)

Hold the chow. Feeding your lawn during drought will only add to its stress level. And stressed-out grass is a sitting duck for pests, diseases, and weeds. So just sit tight.

Declare a truce. Speaking of pests, diseases, and weeds, if they do show up, just ignore them until cooler, wetter weather arrives. Believe it or not, engaging in battle now will only make things worse!

Keep watering. Continue your normal watering routine, if possible. And be sure to perform this chore early in the morning, so as little H₂O as possible is lost to evaporation. Whatever you do, don’t water in the evening because grass that stays wet after dark—especially on a hot night—is fair prey for foul fungi.

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Drought Survival 101: Play Defense

We all know that prolonged dry spells seem to be hitting more of the country every year, and lasting longer than they used to. When a drought hits your area, follow this plan of action to help your lawn survive.

Spread the wealth. If you’re fortunate enough to have some warning that a hot, dry period is looming in the not-too-distant future, give your lawn extra protection by applying another ½-inch layer of compost. (This should be in addition to the layer you spread earlier in the spring.)

Hold the chow. Feeding your lawn during drought will only add to its stress level. And stressed-out grass is a sitting duck for pests, diseases, and weeds.

Declare a truce. Speaking of pests, diseases, and weeds, if they do show up, just ignore them until cooler, wetter weather arrives. Believe it or not, engaging in battle now will only make things worse!

Keep watering. Continue your normal watering routine for as long as your City Fathers and Mothers allow. And be sure to perform this chore early in the morning, so as little H₂O as possible is lost to evaporation. Whatever you do, don’t water in the evening because grass that stays wet after dark — especially on a hot night — is fair prey for foul fungi.

If a drought strikes, take a tip from Grandma Putt and stay off the lawn as much as possible — regardless of whether you’re still able to water, or you’ve had to let the grass go dormant. Otherwise, the added trauma of foot traffic and other activity just may put that turf over the edge, and it’ll never come back to life. As Grandma Putt used to say, “When in doubt, sit it out!”

Is the Drought Making You Sick?

I know it may sound extreme, but your health is actually at an increased risk during times of extreme drought. So if you live in an area where this year’s drought conditions are considered to be “extreme,” beware. And pay attention to signs that your well-being may be suffering. Here are a few reasons drought-related health risks are currently on the rise:

Air quality. Because the earth is so dry, there has been an increase in airborne dust, dust storms, and wildfires. Folks who spend time outside in these conditions are at an increased risk for irritated bronchial passages and lungs, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Valley fever is a fungal infection that’s associated with inhaling spores that become airborne when the soil is disrupted. Symptoms include fever, chest pain, coughing, rash, and muscle aches.

Water quality. Obviously, the quantity of water is affected during times of drought. But water quality can be compromised, too. People who rely on private wells to get their drinking water and those who sidestep proper sanitation and hygiene in an effort to conserve water are all at higher risk of illness.

Recreation. Since water levels are low in lakes where people swim, boat, or fish, those enjoying recreational activities are at increased risk. Disease-causing parasites thrive in warm, shallow water. And injuries and accidents can occur when divers hit the bottom in water that’s shallower than expected, or boats run aground in spots that are usually deeper.

Compromised food and nutrition. Low crop yields and increased grocery prices can lead to malnutrition when people can no longer afford to buy what they need. And it’s not just produce—the health of livestock and fish is also affected when there’s a drought, leading to reduced herds and food shortages.

Depression. People whose livelihood depends on water may be at an increased risk of mental health conditions due to financial-related stress.

So if you need more information, contact your county’s public health department about drought-related health concerns.

Drought 2012: How Does It Impact You?

You’ve heard so many stories already about the historic drought the heartland of America is suffering this summer. But you don’t have a farm or a ranch, and your livelihood doesn’t rely on rainfall to survive. So I know you’re wondering…will the drought affect you?

In a word, yes. Where will you feel the effects? Your pocketbook. Even though the price hikes aren’t being felt by consumers just yet, trust me, it won’t be long before you begin to understand just how widespread the fallout from the drought really is.

In fact, you’re likely to see a price hike in every aisle of your grocery store. That’s because corn and soy (the crops that have suffered the most damage) are key ingredients in the manufacturing of most processed foods, from cereal to salad dressing—and even paper plates! But you’ll see price increases for animal-based perishables, too.

Don’t panic—here are a few tips and tricks to help you offset grocery store price increases:

·        Shop alone. It cuts down on distractions and impulse buying.

·        Stick to your list.

·        Never shop on an empty stomach. A quick snack before you enter the store will keep you focused on the stuff you need, not on what you crave.

·        Carry your coupons.

·        If you’re a senior citizen, check with your supermarket to see if you qualify for a discount (usually 10 percent) on a certain day of the week.

·        Buy a larger-size item only if the unit price indicates that it’s a better deal than the smaller-size package.

·        Buy generics. “Premium” store brands are comparable to gourmet brands, but at prices that are 25 percent less.

·        Cash is king. Leave your credit and debit cards at home, and you’ll only be able to buy what fits within your budget.

·        Check the circulars and newspaper inserts every week for specials and sales. 

10 Quick Tips to Conserve Water (and Save Money, Too!)

If you’re like some folks, you don’t give much thought to how much water you use every day. But since we’re in the thick of the worst drought since 1956, it’s well past time to start thinking about conserving this precious natural resource!

Conserving water doesn’t have to leave your lawn and garden parched and dry. Here’s how to reap what you sow without using lots of H₂O:

1.      Add a layer. Compost, peat moss, and mulch help your plants retain water.

2.      Weed more. Those garden invaders are stealing water away from your prized plants.

3.      Time your water. Do your watering in the morning, not in the afternoon, when the sun will cause much of it to evaporate. And don’t water in the evening either. The plants will stay cool and wet overnight, making them prime targets for fungal disease.

4.      Think like a local. Choose and use plants in your yard that match your climate and site conditions.

5.      Focus their attention. Adjust your sprinklers so that only your grass and garden beds are being watered—not your house, driveway, sidewalk, or street.

6.      Stop the drops. Frequently check your outdoor faucets, sprinklers, and hoses for leaks.

7.      Just a little off the top. Adjust your mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades roots and holds in moisture.

8.      Give it room to breathe. Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots instead of flowing right off the surface.

9.      Plan your planting. Plant trees, shrubs, and lawns in the spring or fall when temps are cooler and rain is more frequent.

10.   Capture the water. Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up—rather than letting it go down the drain. Then take the bucket outside and use the water to quench the thirst of your potted plants. 

When in Drought…

Rainfall in the upper Midwest over the last couple of weeks has helped bring some relief to parched corn and soybean crops, but more rain is needed to prevent further damage. 

The news isn’t as good for drought-stricken crops in the lower Midwest where the chance of rain is bleak. The intense—sometimes triple-digit—heat is compounding problems by frying already stressed plants to the point of no return.

At this point in the growing season, I’m sure you’ve already cut back on the water you’re using to keep your flowers beautiful. The good news is that—with a little planning this year—you can find plenty of gorgeous perennials that need very little moisture for next year. Here are some characteristics that indicate a definite lack of thirst:

·        Deep roots that resent being transplanted—peonies, for instance

·        Fleshy, thickened roots that hold moisture—like daylilies

·        Silver or gray leaves with waxy or hairy coverings—such as lavenders and dusty miller

·        Thin or narrow leaves—for example, yuccas and many ornamental grasses

·        Fleshy leaves and stems—such as sedums and hardy cacti

Just keep in mind that even the most drought-tolerant plants need a steady supply of water while their root systems are forming. The amount varies, but in most cases, it’s about an inch of water a week either from your hose or from Mother Nature’s rain clouds.

How About That Drought?

According to environmental experts, the United States is currently suffering through the worst drought conditions in 50 years. The lack of rain—combined with stifling, record-high temperatures—is cracking our soil, stunting our crops, and drying up lakes, ponds, and streams. Not only is the soil drying up, but so is everything that’s trying to grow in it.

Because of the early spring warm-up, farmers were able to plant more crops than usual. So at the beginning of the growing season forecasters predicted bountiful yields of corn and soybeans. But now, those forecasts have been dashed in exchange for a bleak outlook and higher prices.

So is there any relief in sight? Not exactly. The hot and dry pattern is expected to continue for the next few weeks. Click on the link below to see the Seasonal Drought Outlook map the National Weather Service issued last week:

 http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/seasonal_drought.html

If this year’s drought has done a number on your lawn, give it a little TLC to recover. In the fall, apply a dry, organic fertilizer at half of the recommended rate, adding 1 pound of sugar and 1 pound of Epsom salts per bag (enough for 2,500 sq. ft.). Then overspray the turf with my Drought Recovery Tonic:

Mix 1 can of regular cola (not diet), 1 cup of baby shampoo, and 1 cup of ammonia in a 20 gallon hose-end sprayer, and saturate the turf to the point of run-off every two weeks until the grass returns to normal.