CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Hot temperatures and dry conditions are making it harder for gardeners to keep their plants alive this summer, and one Virginia gardener says this drought is serious.
“This is one of the worst dry spells that I’ve ever seen,” Piedmont Master Gardener Linda Blum said.
Blum has been gardening for 65 years, across multiple states.
“I’ve gardened in Michigan, I’ve gardened in New York State, and I’ve gardened here in Virginia, and this is, as I said, one of the worst dry spells that I’ve ever seen,” she said.
Blum says there are three main things gardeners can do to keep their gardens going this summer.
First, she says to water infrequently and deeply in the morning. Soil should remain moist about five inches below the surface, roughly the length of a garden trowel.
Second, Blum says it’s important to keep soil covered. About four inches of mulch should work, or gardeners can plant densely in blocks instead of rows to cover soil with leaves.
Third, she suggests watering the roots of plants, not the leaves. Water on leaves evaporates quickly, but water on the soil can reach the roots. Tools like soaker hoses water plants slowly and help avoid evaporation.
Blum says these tips can all contribute to a successful garden in harsh weather.
“I’m continuing to be able to maintain some production in my garden. It’s less than usual, and things like the tomatoes are smaller than they typically are. But still, we’re getting veggies and we’re conserving water while we’re doing that,” she said.
The Piedmont Master Gardeners will be at the Albemarle County Fair for those with additional questions about keeping their garden alive during the drought.
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