What To Do In a Drought
Due to several dry and hot days this past summer, we find ourselves in a drought. Is it safe to water? How often? Which plants?
It’s not irresponsible to water plants. An inch once a week is recommended (use a tuna type can to determine an inch). Not a sprinkle daily, since that invites roots to stay shallow. Roots should be deeper where the soil stays moist longer.
As of mid August, Yorktown is cited on the drought.gov map as one of the driest areas of Westchester. With that and no rain in the forecast, consider water-wise gardening. Here are the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Water Wise Gardening Fact Sheet and recommendations.
“…lawns are adapted to go dormant in summer in response to a lack of moisture. Research shows that cool season grasses will survive with as little as 1/10 inch of water over a three-week period. Established lawn grasses rebound when rains return.”
Lawns have their purpose for families with children. Running through the grass playing tag and baseball is what makes great summer memories, but so much time and money goes into the maintenance of lawns every year and they give little back to the environment.
5 Quick Healthy Garden Tips
It’s best to water in the morning before 9 am for less evaporation. Evening watering can encourage fungus. Water roots not leaves.
Give priority watering to plants installed in the last 3 years, one inch per week is sufficient.
Mow less frequently, so grass blades provide their own shade. Please consider discontinuing use of chemical fertilizer or pesticides, particularly during drought. Or practice IPM, Integrated Pest Management techniques, which is targeting specific identifiable problems versus broad prophylactic treatments.
Consider what you apply may travel from your property into the storm drains and then into reservoirs.
Plant drought tolerant natives. Visit our plant fact sheets resource for more info.