A garden made of tough conifers that don't mind the heat.
Drought affects gardeners and farmers alike.
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Dry katsura leaves blanket a brown, dry lawn.
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Drought is every gardener's & farmer's nightmare. Plants struggle when the soil becomes too dry. The lack of water weakens them, and they become shriveled buggy, fungus infested specimens. There are numerous strategies to temper the effects of drought with efficient watering methods combined with sustainable organic gardening practices.
Topics include:
Topics include:
- Plants for Drought
- Drought Tolerant Plants
- Don't Let These Plants Dry Out
- How To Tell When Plants are Thirsty
Protect the soil with an organic mulch like these wood chips.
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Adding organics such as leaf mould and compost acts like a sponge to absorb moisture.
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Fall leaves make a great free mulch.
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Here’s how it's done and a few tips to keep plants healthy while preserving our precious resource.
Add Mulch: Unmulched, bare soil bakes in the sun and any moisture quickly evaporates. A 3-inch layer of fall leaves, wood chips or another organic mulch laid on top of the soil, protects it from the sun to lessen evaporation. Before laying the mulch down, give the ground a good watering and remove any weeds. The mulch has many benefits besides retaining soil moisture, it also deters weeds, insulates the soil from temperature extremes, provides nutrients, and reduces erosion. Note that organic mulch is no longer effective if it is placed on top of plastic or landscape fabric.
Add Mulch: Unmulched, bare soil bakes in the sun and any moisture quickly evaporates. A 3-inch layer of fall leaves, wood chips or another organic mulch laid on top of the soil, protects it from the sun to lessen evaporation. Before laying the mulch down, give the ground a good watering and remove any weeds. The mulch has many benefits besides retaining soil moisture, it also deters weeds, insulates the soil from temperature extremes, provides nutrients, and reduces erosion. Note that organic mulch is no longer effective if it is placed on top of plastic or landscape fabric.
Weeds still infiltrate rock mulches.
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These plants in this seaside rock mulched garden hot and fading fast.
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Alpine gardens and rockeries don't need organic mulch.
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Avoid Rock Mulches: Rock mulches are often recommended for drought gardening, but they do nothing to conserve moisture or insulate the soil. Maintenance is also an issue as weeds soon grow inbetween the rocks even when landscape fabric is placed underneath. Rocks, no matter what kind, also retain heat, which increases the temperature of the soil. This not only speeds up water leaving the ground through evaporation. Plant health is also compromised as their roots bake in the soil. Poor things.
Rock mulches also increases the need to water. Since rocks do not retain water, frequent watering is needed. Another issue rock mulches is they don't add nutrients like organic mulches do, which means plants need to be fertilized more often. Rock mulches do have their uses in rockeries, alpine and rock gardens, but not for garden beds.
Rock mulches also increases the need to water. Since rocks do not retain water, frequent watering is needed. Another issue rock mulches is they don't add nutrients like organic mulches do, which means plants need to be fertilized more often. Rock mulches do have their uses in rockeries, alpine and rock gardens, but not for garden beds.
Improve clay soil with organic matter to improve drainage and water retention.
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Don't rake off organic debris from garden beds as it improves water retention in the soil.
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Compost increases soils' water retention.
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Soil Type: No matter what type of soil you have, the addition of organic matter such as compost, fall leaves, twigs and plant debris improves water retention and nutrients. Organic matter is good stuff. It opens up clay soils and bulks up sandy ones. Mix in at least a couple of inches of compost, leaves, rotted leaves, triple mix, SeaSoil, soil conditioners and other organic matter.
Avoid Synthetic Fertilizers: Frequent and excessive use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer burns off organic matter in the soil. A lack of organic matter reduces the soil's ability to retain water, resulting in more watering and fertilizing. A better alternative is to use organic fertilizers, compost, fish, kelp and other-synthetic fertilizers - and add a layer of mulch.
Avoid Synthetic Fertilizers: Frequent and excessive use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer burns off organic matter in the soil. A lack of organic matter reduces the soil's ability to retain water, resulting in more watering and fertilizing. A better alternative is to use organic fertilizers, compost, fish, kelp and other-synthetic fertilizers - and add a layer of mulch.
Water plants in the morning. Think of it as their breakfast.
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Hand watering plants is essential after planting and when plants are wilting.
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Long deep soaks encourage strong roots.
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Water your trees. The tree on the left received adequate water however, the sprinkler for tree on the right was broken.
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How to Water: Sadly, the correct watering of plants is not intuitive. If it was, there wouldn't be so many disappointed gardeners in the world. To conserve water, water plants thoroughly and deeply. Long deep soaks twice a week result in long roots that survive environmental stresses such as heat and drought. A little bit of water does not go a long way. When handwatering, allow the water to puddle a number of time before going to the next plant. Since dry soil sucks away any available moisture, water the plants and the soil between the plants. This also keeps the ground wetter for longer.
Crop failure is inevitable without adequate watering.
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Water gardens a couple of times a week with long, deep soaks.
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Lawns survive drought with only one inch of water a week.
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A timer makes watering easy.
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When to Water: Water early in the morning not at night. You can water them later in the day but do it so they are dry by nightfall. The only exception to this rule is when plants are wilted and are obviously suffering, poor things. They must be watered straight away.
Grey Water: Don't let water go down the drain, instead save it for the garden. Showering with a friend is a great way to save water, but adding a bucket is even better. Instead of washing dishes in the sink, use a basin in the sink so you can easily take the water to thirsty plants. Save the water when from vegetables, potatoes, pasta - and when rinsing rice. As long as no salt has been added and it has cooled, it's safe to use on plants. The water has another benefit as it loaded with nutrients from the whatever was cooked in it.
Wilting plants? Use a trowel or shovel to see if the ground is moist. Maybe you are not watering enough. Most sprinklers should be left on for 30 minutes minimum. Plants also wilt if the soil is saturated, so do dig down and check to make sure there is adequate drainage. Heat is another reason why plants wilt. I know the feeling. When plants are adequately watered but still droop, they are too hot. If that is the case, give them shade as mentioned below.
To make the most of every drop of water click on Watering Tips & Techniques.
Grey Water: Don't let water go down the drain, instead save it for the garden. Showering with a friend is a great way to save water, but adding a bucket is even better. Instead of washing dishes in the sink, use a basin in the sink so you can easily take the water to thirsty plants. Save the water when from vegetables, potatoes, pasta - and when rinsing rice. As long as no salt has been added and it has cooled, it's safe to use on plants. The water has another benefit as it loaded with nutrients from the whatever was cooked in it.
Wilting plants? Use a trowel or shovel to see if the ground is moist. Maybe you are not watering enough. Most sprinklers should be left on for 30 minutes minimum. Plants also wilt if the soil is saturated, so do dig down and check to make sure there is adequate drainage. Heat is another reason why plants wilt. I know the feeling. When plants are adequately watered but still droop, they are too hot. If that is the case, give them shade as mentioned below.
To make the most of every drop of water click on Watering Tips & Techniques.
Light fabric shades newly planted roses during a hot afternoon.
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An umbrella protects the garden from the western sun.
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Shade trees add value, structure and bones to the garden besides adding shade. Katsura (Cercidiphyllum) pictured.
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Shrubs and trees on the west and south side provide shade for the more sun sensitive plants.
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Too much sun? White walls and concrete increase the intensity of the sun, which makes an area much hotter than the rest of the garden. Temper these hot microclimates by painting white surfaces a darker colour or plant other heat loving plants in front of white walls.
Provide Shade: The hottest sun of the day occurs in the afternoon from the south and west exposures. Plant large shrubs, trees or a screen on the west and/or south side of gardens that are frying in the heat of the day. For a temporary solution prop up a tarp, sheet or umbrella to block the light. It would be a good idea to consider moving plants, such as hydrangeas that are exposed to hot afternoon sun, that are perpetually wilting to a shadier location in the autumn. Consider planting a good shade tree as it makes a huge impact on the garden. Other options include large shrubs, hedges and fences placed so they block the sun from the west and south. Plant in the fall or spring when it’s rainy and cool.
Provide Shade: The hottest sun of the day occurs in the afternoon from the south and west exposures. Plant large shrubs, trees or a screen on the west and/or south side of gardens that are frying in the heat of the day. For a temporary solution prop up a tarp, sheet or umbrella to block the light. It would be a good idea to consider moving plants, such as hydrangeas that are exposed to hot afternoon sun, that are perpetually wilting to a shadier location in the autumn. Consider planting a good shade tree as it makes a huge impact on the garden. Other options include large shrubs, hedges and fences placed so they block the sun from the west and south. Plant in the fall or spring when it’s rainy and cool.
Ornamental grasses, daylilies and lamb's-ear are perfect for this sunny slop in the Okanagan.
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Sun loving Osteospermum, Heliotrope, Antirrhinum and Kale are densely planted. Hatley Castle, B.C.
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Group Plants: Plants with similar needs should be planted together to reduce maintenance and to conserve water.
Spacing Plants: Densely planted garden beds shade the soil, reducing moisture from evaporating from the soil. Know your plants and do your research.
Spacing Plants: Densely planted garden beds shade the soil, reducing moisture from evaporating from the soil. Know your plants and do your research.
Wilting geranium (Pelargonium) leaves.
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A collapsed hydrangea in need of a long, cool drink.
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Trees don't wilt per se, instead their leaves fold inwards revealing the back of the leaves.
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Brown leaf margins on this oakleaf hydrangea indicates dry soil.
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A katsura tree (Cercidphyllum) suffering from drought stress has a silver cast.
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Part of this david viburnum has died back due to lack of rain, coupled with excessive heat.
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Use all your resources: Don't rely on one watering method. Utilize sprinklers, soaker hoses and drip systems to make the most of every precious drop. And if plants are failing due to lack of water, check on the sprinklers to make sure they are working properly and if they are, increase the time they are on.
Soaker hose seep water along their length.
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An effective drip system keeps plants healthy at Kew Gardens.
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Numerous driplines provide water to a garden at Hatley Castle.
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Rain barrels are available at many municipalities.
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A drip system only emits water at one small spot and isn't beneficial to soil ecology.
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Drip and Soaker Hoses: Drip systems are excellent for planters, but not ideal for gardens. They only wet a very small area so they must be placed strategically next to the plants. They don't do much to help the soil, which is not a good thing. There are all kinds of life underfoot including earthworms that are an integral part of plant and soil health. When using soaker and drip hoses, check the pattern of wetness. Adjust the time the hoses are on or place the hoses close together for more effective wetting. Be prepared to do some handwatering when plants droop from an inadequate amount of water.
Collect Water: Rain barrels are a great idea, especially when rainwater is directed from the house gutters to a downspout. Instead of water going down the drains, collect water in a bucket while you shower. Use the dirty dishwater by washing the dishes in a tub in the sink, then toss it onto the garden.
Collect Water: Rain barrels are a great idea, especially when rainwater is directed from the house gutters to a downspout. Instead of water going down the drains, collect water in a bucket while you shower. Use the dirty dishwater by washing the dishes in a tub in the sink, then toss it onto the garden.
Plants for Drought
Scot's pine and golden stonecrop at Montreal's Botanical Garden.
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Dart's Hill Garden Park in South Surrey.
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A practical and pleasing combination of heat and drought tolerant plants along the foundation of Alison's house.
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There are two types of plants: drought tolerant and drought resistant. Succulents and cactus originate from arid climates so their leaves, stems and flowers have adapted to dry climates. Sedum, hens and chicks, cushion spurge are examples of drought tolerant plants. Drought resistant plants can survive dry weather, but they can’t survive prolonged periods of drought such as lavender, daylily, sage, blanket flower and lamb’s-ear.
Drought Tolerant Plants & Planting: Just because plants are drought tolerant and resistant, that doesn’t mean they don’t need water. It’s imperative that they are watered by hand then water every 2 to 3 days after planting. Plants are established into the surrounding soil when new growth emerges. Once that happens, ease up on the water once and water accordingly. Drought tolerant plants still need moisture to survive, so do provide water every two weeks or monthly depending on the needs of the plant and the weather.
Drought Tolerant Plants & Planting: Just because plants are drought tolerant and resistant, that doesn’t mean they don’t need water. It’s imperative that they are watered by hand then water every 2 to 3 days after planting. Plants are established into the surrounding soil when new growth emerges. Once that happens, ease up on the water once and water accordingly. Drought tolerant plants still need moisture to survive, so do provide water every two weeks or monthly depending on the needs of the plant and the weather.
Drought Tolerant Plants
Drought Tolerant Plants & Planting: There are many plants that are suitable for dry soil. As soon as you plant them, water them by hand then water every 2 to 3 days so their roots become established into the surrounding soil. Just because they are drought tolerant doesn’t mean they don't need water. As soon as the plant develops new leaves, you know their roots have grown into the soil. Ease up on the water once and water accordingly. Drought tolerant plants still need moisture to survive, so do provide water every two weeks or monthly depending on the needs of the plant.
Annual: African Daisy, Osteospermum
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Elijah Blue blue fescue and a Tam juniper.
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A perennial ground cover called Basket-of-gold, Aurinia saxatilis.
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Annuals: African daisy (Osteospermum), portulaca, cleome, cosmos, marigolds, scarlet sage, sunfowers, verbena, ageratum, Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), zinnia, blanket flower (Gaillarda), verbena
Ornamental grasses: blue fescue, calamagrostis, miscanthus
Perennial flowers: purple cone flowers (Echinacea), bearded tongue (Penstemon), black eyed susans (Rudbeckia) , blazing stars (Liatris), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), daylilies, lantana, yarrow (Achillea millefolium), basket-of-gold alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis), snow-on-the-mountain (Cerastium tomentosum) false indigo (Baptisia), catmint (Nepeta), bidens, red-hot poker (Kniphofia), wormwood (Artemesia)
Shrubs: purple smokebush (Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'), tamarisk, Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis), ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), burning bush (Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'), Caryopteris (Bluebeard), butterfly bush (Buddleia)
Herbs: Lavender, thyme,sage, Russian sage (Perovskia)
Succulents: hens and chicks, stonecrops, sedums and sempervivum, yuccas, agave
Vines: honesuckle (Lonicera), bougainvillea
Trees: Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), weeping peashrub (Caragana arborescens ‘Pendula’), Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna), Russian olive, five-leaf aralia, sea buckthorn
Evergreens: Junipers, pines
Ornamental grasses: blue fescue, calamagrostis, miscanthus
Perennial flowers: purple cone flowers (Echinacea), bearded tongue (Penstemon), black eyed susans (Rudbeckia) , blazing stars (Liatris), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), daylilies, lantana, yarrow (Achillea millefolium), basket-of-gold alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis), snow-on-the-mountain (Cerastium tomentosum) false indigo (Baptisia), catmint (Nepeta), bidens, red-hot poker (Kniphofia), wormwood (Artemesia)
Shrubs: purple smokebush (Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'), tamarisk, Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis), ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), burning bush (Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'), Caryopteris (Bluebeard), butterfly bush (Buddleia)
Herbs: Lavender, thyme,sage, Russian sage (Perovskia)
Succulents: hens and chicks, stonecrops, sedums and sempervivum, yuccas, agave
Vines: honesuckle (Lonicera), bougainvillea
Trees: Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), weeping peashrub (Caragana arborescens ‘Pendula’), Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna), Russian olive, five-leaf aralia, sea buckthorn
Evergreens: Junipers, pines
A perennial, torch lily also known as red hot poker, Kniphofia uvaria.
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Ageratum, a purple annual, and black-eyed-Susans, a yellow daisy-like perennial.
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A honey locust tree called Gleditsia triacanthos.
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Don't let these Plants Dry out!
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Make sure the following plants don't dry out as they need regular watering to be strong and healthy.
Ornamental Japanese flowering cherries, like this Shirofugen will be healthier if give water during the summer.
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Lungwort (Pulmonaria) needs moist soil.
Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a large tree that needs water or it will wilt like this example.
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How to tell when plants are Thirsty
A fried hosta has had too much sun & heat & too little water.
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A weeping grafted willow with small leaves with dried leaf margins, which indicate it is a victim of drought.
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Common symptoms include:
- leaves curl or roll inwards
- limp, wilted, droopy leaves
- small leaves
- yellow leaves
- slow growth
- flowers, fruit and leaves drop off the plant
- leaves are brown at the edges
- branch ends die, which eventually extends to the entire limb
- premature leaf colouring in autumn
A wilted garden phlox is begging for a drink.
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Curled brown foliage on a dry Stewartia, are common drought symptoms.
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The leaves of this astilbe have curled inwards in response to a lack of water.
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