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 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!”