Tips to Minimize Drought Impact

To minimize the impact of drought in your landscape and garden, it is crucial to employ the right tools and techniques. Planning ahead and implementing simple practices can soften the blow of drought and help your garden thrive.

Think of the moisture in your soil as a bank account. At a certain point, no more moisture can be withdrawn. Hot weather and low humidity increase the rate at which plants lose water through transpiration.

One of the most critical aspects of mitigating the impact of drought in your garden is thorough planning. By taking proactive measures and implementing thoughtful strategies, you can create a resilient landscape that can withstand dry conditions and reduce water usage.

Make your landscape drought tolerant

Select drought-tolerant plants

Look for species or plant varieties known for their ability to thrive with minimal irrigation. Consider factors such as the plant's water requirements, root depth and ability to withstand heat and drought stress.

Group plants based on water needs

Efficient water management can be achieved by grouping plants with similar water requirements. By avoiding mixing water-loving plants with drought-tolerant ones, you can avoid overwatering or underwatering specific areas, saving water, and promoting healthier plants.

Install water-efficient irrigation systems

Traditional irrigation methods, such as overhead sprinklers, can result in excessive water loss through evaporation and inefficient water distribution. Consider upgrading to more water-efficient systems like drip irrigation or soaker hoses. These systems deliver water directly to the plant's root zone, minimizing water waste and optimizing moisture uptake. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, overhead sprinklers are approximately 75% efficient, while drip irrigation is around 90% efficient.

Watering your lawn

Also use Hoses and watering cans

Alternative watering methods are crucial in times of drought. Keep hoses and watering cans readily available to hand-water specific areas or plants requiring immediate attention. This allows you to target specific plants and deliver water directly to their root systems, minimizing water waste.

Measure rain

Ever wondered if you've had a proper downpour or just a light sprinkle? Think rain gauges. A rain gauge is an excellent tool for tracking rainfall and monitoring sprinkler irrigation. Don't worry if you don't have a fancy rain gauge; any container with straight sides, like a tuna can, will do. This helps you determine when to apply additional irrigation and prevents overwatering your plants.

One to consider

Use a trowel

A trowel can be a handy tool for determining whether your plants require watering or if the soil retains sufficient moisture. Insert your trowel vertically into the soil, being careful not to damage the plant's roots. Dig a small hole 6 to 8 inches deep and observe the soil profile. Moist soil typically appears darker and feels slightly damp to the touch. In contrast, dry soil appears lighter in color, feels dry, and may even crumble. Keep in mind that soil can still feel slightly damp yet dry enough that plants cannot readily access that moisture.

Use Organic mulch

When it comes to conserving soil moisture, mulching is a valuable practice, especially during dry weather and drought conditions. Organic mulch is a protective barrier between the soil and the atmosphere, offering numerous benefits. It reduces evaporation, regulates temperature, suppresses weeds, improves soil structure and prevents erosion. By keeping weeds at bay, you minimize water competition. While we often associate erosion with heavy rainfall, it can also occur during droughts due to high winds.

How to mulch

This article was published by

Michigan State University Extension