Water-Wise Gardening
Tipton County TSU Extension Agent Joellen Dimond talks about watering the garden in the heat. Putting mulch on the ground will help retain moisture, regulate temperature, add nutrients to the soil, and prevents the coil from crusting. You should water in the morning and evening. It is cooler then. Make sure the leaves of the plants can dry before dark. Plant groups of plants together that have similar watering requirements. There are plants that can handle drought including dusty miller, lantana and Mexican feather grass. Succulent plants or any plant that has a thick leaf can handle some drought. Many herbs can handle drought too.
You can water with a soaker hose which puts water right where the plants need it and you don’t have to stand outside in the heat and you use less water. When planting, add organic matter to the soil. This will help break up the soil which gives larger areas to hold water under the surface. Native plants are also a good choice because they are used to the amount of water that is naturally occurring in the area where you live.
Related Resources:
Efficient Use of Water in the Garden and Landscape
Irrigating the Vegetable Garden
Smart watering in the vegetable garden
You can water with a soaker hose which puts water right where the plants need it and you don’t have to stand outside in the heat and you use less water. When planting, add organic matter to the soil. This will help break up the soil which gives larger areas to hold water under the surface. Native plants are also a good choice because they are used to the amount of water that is naturally occurring in the area where you live.
Related Resources:
Efficient Use of Water in the Garden and Landscape
Irrigating the Vegetable Garden
Smart watering in the vegetable garden