In wake of drought, how to conserve water while gardening [Master Gardener column] | Home & Garden

Most of us are aware that Lancaster County has been suffering drought conditions for the last several years. Recent rainfall brings hope that those conditions have improved, but according to the U.S. Drought Monitor (droughtmonitor.unl.edu), extremely dry to drought conditions are expected to continue at least through the first half of summer. Given this forecast and recent years with below-average rainfall, here are ways that gardeners can conserve water and protect their plants.

Improve the soil

Soil will hold more moisture if it contains organic material. Working compost, leaf mold and aged manure into your soil will increase the organic content. You can add a test for the amount of organic material to a standard Penn State soil test, which can be purchased at a Penn State Extension office.

Organic mulches such as wood and bark chips, grass clippings, shredded leaves, and straw help soil retain moisture, and will eventually break down adding more organic matter to the soil.

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Water wisely

You can help protect your plants and the water supply with strategic watering. Water early in the day when the water will not be lost to evaporation. Water deeply once a week, rather than a little each day, and apply water to the base of the plants rather than sprinkling water from above.

Established trees and shrubs will not need to be watered, even though they may exhibit some stressed behavior.

For example, Kentucky bluegrass in lawns will go dormant and turn brown during the hottest part of the summer. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials do need to be watered until they are established; therefore, it might be best to delay large-scale landscaping until it is clear that drought conditions have improved.

For more tips on watering, visit extension.psu.edu/garden-myths-watering.

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Look for drought-tolerant plants

Fortunately, there are many attractive plants that will tolerate and even thrive in dry conditions. Among trees, conifers (trees with cones and, usually, needles) are generally drought tolerant. Other good choices are plants that are native to prairie conditions, such as black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.) and coneflowers, and those native to Mediterranean areas, such as lavender. Also look for thick-leaved succulents, such as sedum and hen and chicks. For an extensive list of plants that tolerate heat and drought, see: lanc.news/DroughtTolerantPlants.

Collect water and irrigate

Rain barrels attached to downspouts effectively capture water to reuse on garden plants. Because of possible contamination from roof materials and animals, rain barrel water is best used for non-edible plants, though it can be used in vegetable gardens with some precautions.

A simple drip irrigation system is an effective way to water edible plants without wasting water. Many inexpensive kits are available online or at garden centers.

Penn State Extension offers frequent rain barrel construction workshops and information on how to use rain barrels.

For help locating one of these workshops or general gardening advice, please contact our Lancaster County Garden Hotline at LancasterMG@psu.edu or 717-394-6851.

Lois Miklas is a Penn State Master Gardener for Lancaster County, and a former area Master Gardener coordinator.

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