In Times of Drought

I live in an area which I guess you could call sub-tropical. We only get a light frost for one day a year. But I've also lived in England and made gardens there - and there were plenty of times the ground was frozen for a week or more ... and yes, I know there are plenty of places where the ground is frozen for a month or more.

Anyway, world weather patterns seem to be changing, and we are in the middle of our worst drought for 100 years. The garden plan has to incorporate new features - though not the kind to admire. Some plants are standing up to the drought better than others, but I've burried flowerpots next to the stem of many plants, so that the holes are really close to the roots. I can then ensure that the roots get whatever water I provide by filling the pots. If I were just to water on the surface, the chances are that most wouldn't reach where it's needed. Pots in the soil are not elegant, but as the lower leaves grow over them, they become less obvious.

Mulching obviously helps prevent water evaporation, but it also can prevent light rain reaching the soil. I always leave some space between the plant stem and the mulch so that rain or watering can be effective. Doing so can also help prevent rot and fungus problems.

Happy gardening!

Pete

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