| Growing a Drought-Proof Landscape |
By: By Charlie Nardozzi
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I love warm, sunny, dry summer days. But, too many of those days in a row can spell disaster for my plants. Drought has become a common occurrence for many gardeners.
While in my area droughts may only last a few weeks, in some regions they can go on for years. Whether your droughts are short or long-lived, there are steps you can take to create a landscape that can resist the vagaries of the weather and still look great.
Choose the Right Plant for Your Location
Selecting the right plant for your location and growing it properly can go a long way toward having it survive rainless periods. The wrong plant growing in the wrong location will struggle and be more susceptible to dying from drought and disease or insect attacks.
Plant trees and shrubs in full or part sun, depending on the variety. Consider the location of overhead power lines, windows and doors when planting, so you won't have to stress the plant by drastically pruning it when it grows too large.
Choose native plants that are more tolerant of drought, insects and diseases. Listings of native and drought-tolerant plants should be available through your state university's Cooperative Extension Service.
Plant Correctly
An old garden adage goes, "Never put a $10 tree in a $2 hole." Get your plant off to a great start by digging a hole three times the width of the rootball and as deep as the ball. Be sure the soil is well-drained. Fill the planting hole with water. If it takes longer than a few hours to drain, consider another site.
Amend the soil with compost, fertilizer and lime only if the soil is poor quality, such as heavy clay or mostly sand. Heavily amending the planting hole encourages roots to stay in the hole and not grow into the native soil where they belong. Keep the plant well-watered by placing irrigation bags around trees and mulching with a 3- to 4-inch-thick layer of bark mulch. Keep the mulch at least 6 inches away from trunks to avoid crown rot.
Grow Lawns Properly
Be selective about where you grow lawn grass. Most grasses thrive in full sun and struggle in part or full shade, especially under trees where they have to compete with tree roots for water and nutrients. Select grass varieties tolerant of diseases, insects and drought. In shady areas, try growing ground covers such as vinca, pachysandra and violets instead. For deep shade areas, such as under pine trees, skip ground covers and grass and spread mulch.
Water and Fertilize Wisely
Install drip irrigation lines around trees, shrubs and flower beds. Use a timer to water in the early morning. Fertilize with a slow-release or organic fertilizer at the appropriate time for your plants: trees and shrubs in early spring and after a fall frost; lawns in spring and early fall; and vegetables and annual flowers in spring.
Charlie Nardozzi, a nationally recognized garden writer, book author, speaker and radio and television personality, has appeared on HGTV, PBS and Discovery Channel television networks. He is the senior horticulturist and spokesperson for the National Gardening Association and Chief Gardening Officer for the Hilton Garden Inn.
Courtesy of Family Features. |
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