How to Keep Your Garden Happy and Healthy in a Drought

Are we still in a drought?  Yes.  

Recent Thunderstorms have provided some relief, but according the VA DEQ we are sitting with a *9 inch rain deficit for the year, and for areas west of us, its more like *13 inches of rain.  This westerly deficit impacts Richmond because this watershed flows into the James River, where we withdraw water for our drinking water supply.  

What’s the impact on RVA?  The lower rainfall means that the James River is lower than usual, and Henrico County has been releasing 64 million gallons of water EACH DAY from the reservoir at Cobbs Creek to help the James maintain its flow.  Yikes. 

How can I help inside? Be mindful of water use.  Take short showers, and run full loads of laundry and dishes. 

How can I help outside? Think like an ecologically minded water detective and look for ways to capture stormwater (i.e. Use rain barrels or direct downspouts into garden beds).   This is how we think during your Garden Assessment!! 

Restrict Watering: Water only when necessary, and do so in the early morning (before 10 AM) or evening (after 7 PM) to minimize evaporation.

Water Roots not Leaves:   Roots drink in the water, not the leaves.  Water at the base of the plant instead of sprinkling the leaves. 

Adjust Mower Heights: Set lawn mower blades to at least 3 inches high. Longer grass shades the soil and promotes deeper roots to retain moisture.

Reduce your Lawn:  The main source of residential water use?  The Lawn.  Replace with drought tolerant native plantings in the Fall.  Another wonderful way to help Mother Nature. 

Protect your Trees:  Your trees are your number one resource that provide shade, cooling your home and provides protection for birds.   Use tree diapers or a slowly dripping hose to get to soak in so the root systems can take in the water.  Our trees are our treasure! 

Read more here: Source
RVA Public drought watch