Tips for Gardening During a Drought

This winter was an anomaly for us in the Canadian Prairies this year. With above-freezing temperatures until well after Christmas and no moisture since the fall, it's looking bleak for moisture levels as spring approaches. Gardeners and farmers alike will be battling low moisture levels for planting, and city dwellers will likely experience water use restrictions.

Water is key for plants to thrive since they essentially get their food by drinking it up after it's been dissolved in water. Dry soil will quickly cause plants to wilt and eventually starve. But don't fear, one limiting nutrient for plants doesn't mean that all is lost. You can still grow a successful garden in sub-par conditions by taking simple steps, like modifying the soil.

1. Improve your soil

Soil that is high in organic matter is more likely to retain moisture at a level where the plants can access it by slowing the rate of flow through. Not only that, but soil with lots of organic matter has more essential nutrients present so you can rely less on fertilizers.

2. Mulch

Mulching protects the soil from the sun and prevents water loss through evaporation. Spreading mulch 2 to 3 inches thick helps keep the soil cool and trap the moisture in the soil. You can also opt for cardboard instead of traditional mulch. Even plastic or newspaper can be useful as well, but you will have to be sure to remove materials that won't degrade over the winter. Use whatever you have on hand to hlep keep the moisture in the soil!

3. Change your watering habits

Many gardeners have a drip line that they turn on every morning for 5-10 minutes to give their plants a little morning pick-me-up. If this has worked for you in the past, great! This can cause issues during a drought because it doesn't encourage plants to actually search for their food. Plants that are watered often usually have shallow roots since their food source is readily available near the surface of the earth. During a drought, however, that is far from reality. Watering your plants deeply, but less often (think once to twice a week) will naturally develop deeper and more intricate roots because they'll have to search for their food deeper within the soil.

4. Reduce the use of fertilizers

I know this point sounds strange since you'd think you'd want to provide your plants with as much help as possible during a drought. But fertilizers promote fast growth. Fast growth requires a lot of water. Plus, fertilizers can cause salt buildup in the soil during a drought because they aren't being washed away as often. This can change the pH of the soil, potentially making it too alkaline for your plants to survive and thrive. Your plants will grow just fine without the use of fertilizers, it will just be slower.

5. Plan the plants in your garden

Choose plants that are naturally set up to survive a drought. Flowers with tap roots or small leaves can reach water sources more efficiently and have less risk of foliar water loss. Creeping plants that grow low to the soil, like creeping phlox, also act as living mulches and can help the surrounding plants thrive as well. Vegetables that grow as a bush survive better for the same reason, and when planted close together prevent water loss through transpiration.

6. Weed diligently

I'll be the first to admit that I tend to let my garden get a little out of control at times. But during a drought, weeds are just competition for resources and can end up stealing valuable nutrients and water from the plants that you've been caring for for months. Keeping on top of weeding can help reduce the competition to your flowers and vegetables but it also prevents the task from getting too daunting.

By following these tips, gardeners can use every drop of water effectively and grow the best garden they can given the dry conditions.