Each night on the news we are hearing about how dry it is in Texas and other mid-Southern states. Here in Tennessee and especially in the Tennessee Valley, we have been fortunate. We had a great spring with plenty of showers. Now, it seems that the water faucet has been shut off. Vegetable gardens are drying up, and trees are beginning to wilt.
During most summers, trees, lawns and shrubs can survive with 1 inch of water per week. If the temperatures rise to triple digits, water requirements can change dramatically. Some lawns may even need less water if they go dormant for the summer. There are a number of ways to conserve water in the garden. They only occur if we take action.
Be water-wise
Drought-proofing plants starts in early spring. Frequent watering in spring encourages roots to grow on the surface. Then, as the summer progresses, they are vulnerable to the drought.
Plants should be trained to grow downward to seek water. It is much better to establish a good deep root system on a plant by watering deeply rather than a short sprinkle.