Tips Help Plants Beat Heat, Drought
Question: Can you suggest some ways to make my garden survive the heat and be more drought-tolerant?
B.G., Garden Grove
Answer: These interventions will help make your garden more resistant to heat and drought:
* Control weeds. They compete with plants for water.
* Mulch. This reduces evaporation, keeps the weeds down and insulates the soil from large swings in temperature. Mulch keeps the soil cooler during the day and warmer at night.
* Monitor. Closely monitor water needs of newly planted areas. Water as necessary if winter rains are insufficient to get plants established (possibly as often as two to three times a week for several months).
Remember, drought tolerance isn’t automatic the moment plants are placed in the ground. At maturity, many drought-tolerant plants need water only once every few weeks in the hottest months, and some not at all.
* Water efficiently. Construct watering basins or create terraces on steep slopes to minimize run-off.
Water early in the day when the air is still and evaporation is low.
Consider drip irrigation, which is an efficient means of getting water to the roots.
Avoid using different kinds of sprinklers on the same valve.
Group plants with similar water needs.
* Protect. Create windbreaks and shade where possible to decrease water loss.
* Prune. Proper pruning can reduce plants’ demand for water by removing excess growth.
* Don’t feed. Don’t fertilize trees and shrubs during the summer heat. This stimulates new growth and increases water needs.
The UC Master Gardeners will hold a School Garden Workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 2. The workshop is designed for teachers, parents and volunteers who work with children to enhance elementary school projects and integrate them into them curriculum. It will be held at Mission Viejo High School Farm, 25029 Chrisanta Drive.. Call (714) 708-1647 by Monday.
Have a problem in your yard? University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners are here to help. These trained and certified horticultural volunteers are dedicated to extending research-based, scientifically accurate information to the public about home horticulture and pest management. They are involved with a variety of outreach programs, including the UCCE Master Garden hotline, which provides answers to specific questions. You can reach the hotline at (714) 708-1646 or send e-mail to ucmastergardeners@yahoo.com. Calls and e-mail are picked up daily and are generally returned within two to three days.
