Against All Dry Odds: 12 Proven Tips for Gardening Successfully in Times of Drought

Gardening in times of drought doesn't mean sacrificing the joy of a vibrant garden. It's about smart choices and sustainable practices that keep your green oasis thriving with minimal water. In this guide, we'll show you how to create just that. We'll explore effective techniques to create a resilient garden during dry spells, from choosing drought-tolerant plants to innovative watering methods. Let's dive into how you can maintain a lush, water-wise garden, even when rain is scarce.

Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants

Drought-tolerant plants are essential for gardens in dry conditions where water is scarce. They have evolved to thrive with little rainfall or irrigation, making them ideal for challenging environments. Not only do they survive, but they also add vibrancy and color to your garden, demonstrating nature's resilience. Choosing these plants means less water usage, reduced maintenance, and a garden that stays vibrant, even during a drought.

List of Drought-Tolerant Plants

• Flowers:
  • Lavender (Lavandula)
  • Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
  • Coneflower (Echinacea)
  • Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
  • Sedum (Sedum spp.)
• Shrubs:
  • Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)
  • Rockrose (Cistus)
  • Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens)
  • Oleander (Nerium oleander)
  • Juniper (Juniperus spp.)
• Trees:
  • Mesquite (Prosopis)
  • Palo Verde (Parkinsonia)
  • Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
  • Australian Willow (Geijera parviflora)
  • Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)

Go Native

Native plants are invaluable for sustainable gardening, especially in drought conditions. Adapted over centuries to their local climates and soils, they're naturally equipped to handle low rainfall and regional weather patterns.

For instance, plants like California poppy in the West, Black-eyed Susan in the Midwest, or Eastern Redbud in the East have evolved to thrive in their specific regions. These plants often feature deep roots, waxy leaves, or small leaf areas, aiding in water conservation under dry conditions. By incorporating these native species, your garden aligns with the local ecosystem, leading to easier maintenance and a more resilient landscape.

Beyond drought resilience, native plants like Purple Coneflower, Indian Blanket, and Blue Sage offer substantial ecological benefits. They provide crucial habitats and food sources for local wildlife, including birds, bees, and butterflies, thereby supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Adapted to local conditions, these plants typically require fewer pesticides and fertilizers, reducing harmful chemical runoff and enhancing soil health.

Practice Hydrozoning

Hydrozoning is an effective gardening strategy that enhances water efficiency by grouping plants according to their water needs. This technique involves dividing your garden into distinct zones, with each zone tailored to the water requirements of the plants in it. This targeted approach to watering ensures that each plant receives the appropriate amount of water, avoiding the pitfalls of both over-watering and under-watering. Hydrozoning not only saves water but also fosters healthier plant growth and minimizes the risk of disease due to improper watering practices.

Hydrozoning Layout Examples

Small Gardens: Divide the space into zones such as a high water-use area near the house for a vegetable garden and flowers, and a low water-use zone at the garden's edge with native shrubs and perennials.

Medium Gardens: Create 3-4 zones with distinct pathways as borders. For instance, a medium water-use zone could include ornamental grasses and perennial beds, while a separate zone could be dedicated to moisture-loving plants near a water source.

Large Gardens: Designate specific areas based on water-use levels. A large section can be allocated for drought-resistant native plants and xeriscaping, while smaller, dedicated sections can be planned for water-intensive plants or a kitchen garden.

Improve the Soil

The water retention capacity of soil is vital for successful gardening, particularly in times of drought. Different soil types vary in their ability to hold water:

Sandy Soil: This type drains quickly and retains less moisture, often necessitating more frequent watering.

Clay Soil: While clay soil is good at retaining water, it can become compact, making it difficult for roots to penetrate.

Loamy Soil: Considered ideal for gardening, loamy soil offers a balanced mix of drainage and moisture retention. Knowing your soil type is essential for enhancing its ability to hold water, thereby supporting healthier, more drought-resistant plants.

How to Improve Soil for Better Water Retention

Add Organic Matter: Mixing compost into your soil can significantly improve moisture retention, particularly in sandy soils, and enhance aeration in clay soils. Spread a layer of 2-3 inches of compost over your garden beds and till it in.

Use Vermiculite: This mineral is great for retaining water and nutrients, making it particularly beneficial for sandy soils. Incorporate vermiculite into your soil at a 1:4 ratio of vermiculite to soil.

Incorporate Coir or Peat Moss: Both are effective in boosting water retention. They are suitable for sandy and loamy soils. Mix them into your soil to a few inches deep.

Adjust Soil pH: Soil pH influences water uptake. Most plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (6.0-7.0). Use lime to increase pH or sulfur to decrease it.

Apply Mulch: A layer of mulch on top of the soil can reduce water evaporation, keep the soil cooler, and further enhance moisture retention.

Mulch Well

Mulching is an essential practice for conserving water in gardening, particularly in times of drought. It plays a key role in maintaining soil moisture, controlling weeds, and enhancing soil quality. Generally, there are two types of mulch: organic and inorganic.

Organic Mulch: This type includes materials like wood chips, bark, straw, and compost. As it decomposes, organic mulch enriches the soil with nutrients, improves its structure, and supports beneficial microbes. It's effective in retaining moisture and is ideal for use in flower beds, vegetable gardens, and around trees and shrubs.

Inorganic Mulch: Common inorganic mulches include gravel, rocks, and rubber chips. These materials do not decompose, meaning they require less frequent replacement. Inorganic mulch is particularly useful for plants that thrive in heat, as it helps retain warmth in the soil. It's also suitable for areas where mixing organic matter into the soil isn't desired, such as around succulents or in walkways.

Eliminate Weeds

Weeds are a significant problem in gardens, competing with your plants for essential resources like water, nutrients, and sunlight. In dry conditions, this competition becomes even more critical, with weeds often outcompeting your plants for limited water supplies. Removing weeds is vital to keep your garden healthy and ensure your plants receive the necessary resources.

Methods for Weed Removal and Prevention

Manual Removal: Regularly inspect your garden and remove weeds by hand. This method is most effective for small, young weeds.

Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch to hinder weed growth. Mulch blocks sunlight and forms a barrier, while also improving soil health over time.

Boiling Water: Pour boiling water directly onto weeds. This non-toxic method works well for weeds in hard-to-reach places like pavement cracks.

Vinegar Solution: A mixture of vinegar, water, and a bit of dish soap can act as a natural weed killer. Apply it carefully to avoid harming desirable plants.

Cover Crops: Plant cover crops during off-seasons. They help suppress weeds, enrich the soil, and conserve soil moisture.

Manage Pests

Drought conditions increase your garden's vulnerability to certain pests. When plants are stressed due to insufficient water, they're more prone to infestations.

Common pests in these conditions include:

Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, leading to wilting and distorted leaves.

Spider Mites: Tiny spiders that weave fine webs on plants, resulting in leaf yellowing and stippling.

Whiteflies: Small, white, flying insects that consume plant juices, causing leaf weakening and yellowing.

Grasshoppers: With a strong appetite, they can severely damage plants, particularly in hot, dry climates.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies for Drought

IPM is a sustainable pest control approach that combines various strategies to reduce pesticide use and protect non-target organisms.

Key IPM strategies include:

Regular Monitoring: Constantly check your garden for early pest signs. Prompt detection is crucial for effective control.

Cultural Controls: Adopt gardening practices that deter pests, such as crop rotation, choosing pest-resistant plants, and maintaining healthy soil.

Physical and Mechanical Controls: Employ barriers, traps, and manual removal methods to decrease pest populations. Floating row covers, for instance, can shield plants from flying insects.

Biological Controls: Support or introduce natural pest predators or parasites. Ladybugs, for instance, naturally prey on aphids.

Chemical Controls: Resort to pesticides only as a last option. When needed, prefer organic or less harmful choices and apply them carefully.

During drought conditions, refrain from using pesticides. According to Laura Edwards at South Dakota State University, "Most pesticides are applied directly to the leaves of plants. Because of the hot, dry conditions brought on by a drought, the chemicals can damage the leaves and harm the plants. "

Prioritize Watering

In the midst of a drought, establishing a well-defined watering priority is essential for the efficient allocation of your limited water resources in the garden.

Here's a comprehensive approach with specific examples to help you create a watering hierarchy:

Assess Plant Needs: Start by categorizing your plants based on their water requirements.

High-Water Demand: Young plants, vegetables, annual flowers.

Moderate-Water Demand: Perennial flowers, herbs.

Low-Water Demand: Established shrubs, trees, native drought-tolerant plants.

Value and Ecological Significance: Consider the significance of each plant in your garden:

Monetary Value: High-cost plants or rare specimens.

Sentimental Value: Plants with personal or emotional attachments.

Ecological Value: Native plants that support local wildlife or pollinators.

Watering Zones: Implement a zoning system in your garden based on priority:

Zone 1 (High Priority): Include vegetable gardens, newly planted areas, and high-value plants. These zones require more frequent watering.

Zone 2 (Moderate Priority): Focus on perennial flowers, herbs, and valuable but established plants. Water less frequently compared to Zone 1.

Zone 3 (Low Priority): Consist of well-established trees, shrubs, and native drought-resistant species. These zones can be watered sparingly.

Grouping Plants for Efficiency: Group plants with similar water needs together: Example: Create a "Mediterranean Garden" zone with drought-tolerant herbs like lavender and rosemary.

Example: Design a "Water-Loving Bed" featuring annual flowers and vegetables that require regular watering.

Identifying Signs of Water Stress in Plants:

To effectively monitor your garden's water needs, look for specific indicators of water stress:

Wilting Leaves: Observe any wilting or drooping leaves, an initial response to water scarcity.

Leaf Changes: Pay attention to leaf color changes, such as yellowing or browning, especially at the leaf tips or edges.

Dry Soil: Periodically check the moisture level of the soil around your plants. Crumbly, dry soil signifies a need for water.

Slow Growth or Leaf Drop: Note any signs of stunted growth or premature leaf shedding, indicating insufficient water supply.

Water Efficiently

Maximizing water efficiency in gardens, especially under drought conditions, involves strategic methods to make the most of the water used.

Water the Roots

Effective watering begins at the roots. Techniques like basin watering, where you create a small depression around each plant, ensure water is delivered where it's most needed. Soaker hoses are also beneficial, delivering water directly to the roots, enhancing plant health, and minimizing runoff.

Water in the Morning

Timing your watering can significantly improve efficiency. Watering in the early morning takes advantage of cooler temperatures and calm winds, reducing evaporation. In cooler climates, late afternoon watering works well, but make sure that leaves have time to dry before nightfall to prevent fungal diseases.

Water Deeply, but Infrequently

Deep watering promotes the development of strong root systems. By moistening the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, plants are encouraged to extend their roots deeper into the ground, improving their access to moisture and enhancing drought resistance.

Try Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation systems provide a highly efficient method of watering by delivering water directly to the base of each plant. This method reduces runoff and evaporation. Regular maintenance of these systems is essential to ensure their continued efficiency and effectiveness.

Install Smart Irrigation Systems

Smart irrigation systems, which utilize weather and soil moisture data, can significantly optimize watering schedules based on real-time environmental conditions. These systems are customizable and can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of different garden zones.

Collect Rainwater

Supplement your water supply sustainably by collecting rainwater. From simple rain barrels to more complex harvesting systems, rainwater can be a valuable resource. Don't forget to use proper filtration and screening to keep the water clean and free of debris.

Reuse Greywater

Explore greywater recycling, which repurposes wastewater from sinks and showers for garden irrigation. Basic systems redirect greywater to non-edible plants, while advanced setups may incorporate filtration for broader usage. Always check local regulations for compliance.

Stop Fertilizing

When facing drought conditions, it's wise to reduce or entirely halt fertilization for several crucial reasons:

Water Requirement: Fertilizers, especially those rich in nitrogen, tend to increase a plant's thirst for water. In drought situations, where water is scarce, this added demand can place undue stress on plants.

Root Burn Risk: Limited water availability can lead to higher salt concentrations in the soil due to fertilizers. This elevated salt level can result in root burn, further intensifying stress on plants.

Growth Stimulation: Fertilizers are known to stimulate new growth, which, in turn, demands more water and resources from the plant. During a drought, the plant may struggle to support this accelerated growth, potentially leading to weakened health or even plant loss.

Nutrient Imbalance: In drought conditions, the plant's ability to absorb nutrients from the soil can be compromised. Over-fertilization can result in a nutrient imbalance, as the plant may not be able to take up the excess nutrients effectively.

Prune Lightly

Pruning your plants during a drought is a careful balancing act. The objective is to reduce a plant's water requirements without adding unnecessary stress.

Prune Sparingly: During a drought, keep your pruning to a minimum. Focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. This reduces the plant's overall water needs without triggering new growth that would demand more water. Steer clear of extensive pruning or significant cuts. Large pruning wounds can make plants more vulnerable to stress and diseases, especially when water is scarce.

Use Clean, Sharp Tools: Make sure your pruning tools are clean and sharp. Clean cuts heal faster, reducing the risk of disease and minimizing stress on the plant.

Best Time to Prune: If pruning becomes essential, schedule it for the early morning or late evening to avoid the day's heat. Pruning during cooler hours reduces stress on the plant.

Let Your Lawn Go Dormant

Grass, like many plants, possesses a natural survival mechanism known as dormancy. This mechanism allows it to endure adverse conditions, such as winter cold or summer heat and drought. During a drought, letting your lawn go dormant can be a practical decision. Dormant grass requires minimal water, significantly reducing your water usage. It's nature's way of helping grass endure challenging times.

Tips for Lawn Care During Dormancy

Limit Foot Traffic: Dormant lawns are more vulnerable, so try to minimize activities like walking or playing on the grass to prevent damage.

Mowing: Keep mowing to a minimum during dormancy. If you need to mow, set your mower to a higher cut, leaving the grass taller. This provides shade for the roots and helps retain soil moisture.

Watering Dormant Grass: Even though the grass is dormant, it still needs some water to survive. Water your lawn every few weeks, providing just enough moisture to keep the roots alive without prompting new growth. Early morning is the best time to water to minimize evaporation.

When the drought ends and you resume regular watering, your lawn will gradually emerge from dormancy and regain its green color. This process may take a few weeks. During recovery, maintain a consistent watering schedule, and avoid heavy fertilization or chemical treatments until the lawn fully recovers. After dormancy, consider aerating your lawn to improve water and nutrient absorption, promoting overall lawn health.

FAQs about Gardening During Drought

Can I plant during a drought?

Yes, you can plant during a drought, but it's crucial to choose drought-tolerant plants and ensure proper soil preparation to improve water retention. Planting in the cooler parts of the day and providing adequate mulch can also help new plants establish with minimal water.

Which plant is best suited to survive droughts?

Succulents and cacti are among the best-suited plants for surviving droughts, thanks to their water-storing capabilities. Other plants like lavender, sage, and ornamental grasses like blue fescue also exhibit excellent drought resistance.

How can I garden without water? Gardening without water, or dry gardening, involves techniques like mulching, choosing extremely drought-resistant plants, and using no-dig methods to preserve soil moisture. However, some minimal watering might still be necessary, especially for establishing plants.

How often should I water my garden during a drought?

Watering frequency during a drought depends on your soil type, the weather, and the types of plants you have. Generally, a deep watering once a week is better than light, frequent watering, as it encourages deeper root growth and better drought tolerance.

What should I do to prepare my garden for a predicted drought?

To prepare for a drought, prioritize mulching, establish a water-efficient irrigation system, choose drought-tolerant plants, and improve your soil's water retention capabilities. Additionally, consider collecting rainwater and planning your garden layout to maximize shade and reduce water loss.

How do I know if my plants are suffering from drought stress?

Signs of drought stress in plants include wilting, yellowing or browning of leaves, leaf drop, and stunted growth. In lawns, grass blades may not spring back after being stepped on.