Drought-Proof Your Garden: 6 Essential Tips for Thriving in Watering Restrictions!

As the state of the world bakes in a record-breaking drought, residents are faced with adhering to water use regulations or paying penalties. Conscious residents may want to cut back on their water usage above and beyond the regulations by limiting their shower times, reducing flushing, and minimizing excess water loss in their homes. But what about residents with home gardens? Just how can a gardener keep their harvests intact when water is in short supply? Here are some tips to create a drought-tolerant garden that still produces a harvest.

1. Evaluate Your Water System

If you typically water your garden with a built-in sprinkler system or by hand with a hose, consider installing a drip line system or soaker hoses instead. Drip or soaker hoses water low to the ground, ideally underneath a thick layer of mulch, thereby directing moisture deep into the soil, which creates long, deep roots and resilient plants. Additionally, water in the early morning, when it is still cool, or after the sun has set, to minimize evaporation.

Graywater systems, watering systems that recycle water from sinks, bathtubs, and laundry use, may be a bit more involved, but are a great way to reuse household grey water and reduce resource waste and save money. Check out Greywater Action for more information.

2. Compost and Amend

Good healthy plants start with good soil, and that is never more important than during a drought. Soil that is rich with organic material can retain more moisture and nutrients, even as the temperature rises. Before planting, be sure to amend the soil to give plants the extra boost they need under stress.

3. Mulch

Adding a thick (minimum four inches) layer of organic mulch to garden beds can trap moisture in soil, deter water-stealing weeds, and keep ground temperatures cool, protecting plant roots. Many cities offer mulch for free. Call your local sanitation department to find out.

4. Shade

Shading plants from the harsh, hot sun can make all the difference in a successful garden. If natural shade from existing trees is not available, consider using landscaping shade cloth, or try companion planting methods, such as planting low laying spinach underneath heat loving peppers. The leaves from the pepper plants will provide a cool environment for the spinach, reducing soil moisture evaporation and sun scald.

5. Choose Plants Wisely

Some vegetables require regular watering, like carrots and tomatoes, and don’t do well in dry climates for extended periods of time. However, squash, broccoli, prickly pear, rhubarb, okra, several herbs, chard, asparagus, arugula, and many other vegetables can thrive in hot, dry climates. Investigate native edibles in your area and add them to your garden. Do research before planting to ensure a successful harvest.

6. Plant Wisely

Plant early so seedlings have time to establish strong roots, before the hot days of summer add stress. Group plants according to their watering needs, so water is used to maximum benefit. Companion Planting, such as the Three Sisters Method, can protect, nourish, and maximize plant growth, as well as conserve water. Also, rather than planting in rows, consider a block style layout to reduce water and increase yield. Alternatively, grow vegetables in pots that can be moved indoors when temperatures fall.

More Resources:

• The Importance of Cover Crops in Sustainable Gardening
• The Importance of Cover Crops in Sustainable Gardening
• 10 Genius Tips for Thrifty Gardening That Will Save You Money!
• How to Build a Rain Garden and Combat Water Pollution [VIDEO]
• Slash Your Water Bill: How Planting Native Species Can Transform Your Garden and Save You Money!
• How to Spot Nutrient Deficiencies in Your Vegetable Garden Plants
• 7 Fun Kids Projects to Attract Animals into the Garden or Yard
• 7 Fun Kids Projects to Attract Animals into the Garden or Yard
• 7 Ways to Attract More Butterflies to Your Garden (and Save Them From Extinction)