As someone who is used to gardening in dry climates, I know how tricky it can be to keep your garden thriving in the hot summers. Here are my top tips for gardening in dry weather.
Here in the foothills of western NC, we have been blessed with evening showers that have helped to make this August much more bearable than the usual Sahara-like conditions we are subject to this time of year. Dry, hot, sticky weather is the norm…. July and August are bad words in my house. There’s nothing more disappointing than laying out a beautiful garden, only to watch it wither and dry in the summer heat. I’ve learned to get creative with solutions for gardening in dry conditions and definitely have a bit of advice to share! If you are wondering just how creative I can get, check out My Secret Hack for Watering Window Box Planters (it will totally surprise you!) Here are some ways that we nurture our garden during dry periods and high temperatures.
10 Tips for Gardening in Dry Weather
1. Water early or late
This is simple but truly makes a big difference, especially if you are dealing with hot weather. When you water during the heat of the day there will be excess water evaporation and less water actually going to the plants, so it is best to water early or late. The best time is actually early morning because moisture doesn’t sit on the leaves overnight and encourages disease.
2. Mulch
Mulch is one of the simplest and most effective ways to conserve moisture in your garden, and it does more than just keep the soil from drying out. A good layer of mulch provides insulation, helping to regulate soil temperature by keeping the ground cooler during hot days and warmer on chilly nights. This is especially important for root systems, as extreme temperature fluctuations can stress plants and hinder growth. Mulch helps to hold moisture, shade roots, promote a steady soil temperature, and block weeds. Organic material such as used leaves, straw, or pine needles make wonderful mulch. In the fall we gather fallen leaves to add to our compost and to add a layer of mulch to our garden beds. It’s super effective plus it’s free!
3. Healthy Soil
Speaking of organic matter, your soil needs a lot of it. Add leaves, aged manure, aged compost, whatever you choose for your garden. We add ours in the spring and fall. This will improve the nutrient quality of your soil and aid in water retention and soil moisture. A healthy soil will produce healthy plants!
4. Use a drip system
By watering at the base of the plant with a drip hose, you are getting more water to the roots, reducing water loss through evaporation, and reducing the amount of moisture left on the leaves, which can encourage disease. A drip system is easy to set up and then makes watering a breeze for the rest of the season. (get yours here)
5. Deep watering
Strong, deep roots are vital to healthy plants. Watering deeply encourages roots to follow the moisture further into the earth, rather than remain at the surface of the soil where shallow roots cause the plant to be more susceptible to extreme heat and drought. Deeper roots help the plants when there is lack of water in the dry summers.
The key to deep watering is slow and steady. A quick sprinkle from a hose won’t cut it—much of that water will evaporate before it even reaches the roots. Instead, use soaker hoses, a drip irrigation system, or a slow trickle from a regular hose to allow water to penetrate at least 6-8 inches into the soil. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply about twice a week, rather than giving your plants a little water every day. This method not only conserves water but also trains plants to become more self-sufficient.
6. Water as needed, not on a set schedule
This kind of goes hand-in-hand with watering deeply. By watering a few times each week, you encourage deeper root growth. Plants in containers will require more frequent watering. Reduce your watering when rainfall is abundant (obviously). Too much water can be as detrimental to plants as too little.
7. Watch an “indicator plant”
Certain plants, such as cucumbers and squash, lose moisture more quickly through their larger leaves. Watching these plants for signs of thirst is a great way to prevent your soil from becoming too dry during times of drought. This melon is saying “Good gosh woman, put down the camera and grab the hose!”
8. Water for your garden type-raised beds and containers
Raised beds and container gardens heat up and dry out more quickly and require more frequent watering. If you are planting in raised beds or containers just be aware that you will need to keep a close eye on the amount of water needed. In comparison, planting your flowers or vegetable gardens in the ground allows the root system of the plants to grow deeper. However I have had plenty of gardens in raised beds and still find success! Learn more about building your own raised beds and choosing the right materials and location.
9. Keep well weeded
Because weeds compete with other plants for nutrients and water, it’s important to keep weed growth at a minimum so that your crops can thrive. It’s a struggle to keep grass in the pastures, but lordy how it thrives in my flower beds! I swear, the weeds in my garden grow twice as fast as the flowers. Staying on top of them can feel like an endless battle, but trust me. Your plants will thank you for the extra space, nutrients, and water they no longer have to fight for.
10. Use rain barrels to store water
Why run up you water bill, or put stress on your well, if you have natural resources available to you? Place a rain barrel (or trash can with mesh screen on top to filter out debris) under your gutter to collect rain and water your garden naturally, for FREE-my favorite price 🙂 (get yours here) This method can cut down on your water bill and keep your plants happy. That’s a win-win!
Happy gardening!
Dry weather conditions can make tending to your garden a little tricky, but with the right watering system, your plants can still thrive. Paying close attention to soil health, using mulch, and watering deeply are all smart ways to ensure your garden gets enough water without waste. It’s always a good idea to adapt your watering schedule based on your garden’s needs rather than sticking to a set routine. Usually, if you pay close attention, your garden will tell you what it needs, even in extreme weather. What are some ways that you have maintained your gardens during dry spells? Share in the comments section below!
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