Change of Habits Can Help Plants Weather Drought

Here are tips for parched gardens and lawns:

* Use mulch. Mulch saves water by reducing soil evaporation. It shades the soil and keeps it cooler. : Weeds steal water and nutrients. Pull them out; keep them out.

* Form an earth basin. Build a small circular wall of earth around plants to hold water and prevent runoff.

* Water early in the morning or in late afternoon. Don’t water on windy or sunny days; sun and wind speed evaporation.

* Use bathtub, kitchen sink water and washing machine water (“gray” water) for garden use. Avoid water containing bath oil, foam or salts.

Shower with the drain closed. Bail water into a large plastic trash container.

When using washing machine water, use water from the rinse cycle only. Do not use first-cycle water. After the first cycle, place a drain hose into a 30-gallon plastic trash container. The second-cycle rinse water will not harm plants if most of the detergent, bleach and fabric softener has been rinsed away in the first-cycle water.

Before using recycled rinse and bath water, check with local authorities.

* Use gray water for patio plants. Plants in containers in small soil areas can be damaged by alkaline buildup. Use fresh water if possible or blend half fresh with half “gray” water.

* Use sprinklers with care. If it is legal to use a sprinkler, be vigilant. Don’t waste water on driveways, sidewalks or roads. If possible, use sprinklers that emit larger streams of water.

* Don’t mow lawns short. Keep grass 3 to 4 inches high. This shades the soil, keeps roots cool and slows evaporation. Water every three to five days during the morning for about an hour per sprinkler placement. In extreme drought conditions, be sure not to “tease” the roots with an occasional light surface sprinkle. Do not fertilize. Wait until the drought is over.

* Consider drought-resistant plants.