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Drought is a widely spoken subject, and it is usually perceived as a threat among gardeners. It calls for every gardener to look for innovative means to keep the ground green. Since water is the pillar in which these crops are anchored for growth, it is essential to use it wisely. Of importance, also, is to keep in mind that drought is not predictable. Growing vegetables during a drought takes skill; however, it is very possible.
Growing Vegetables During a Drought
For this reason, you must be armed with means for growing vegetables during a drought. Some gardeners will look for drought-resistant vegetables, while others will look for ways to conserve water.
Still, another group will look into the best planting means. The common goal is to have the vegetables during the dry season. It is integral to go with the following tips to achieve the goal:
The Western Cape is experiencing one of the worst droughts recorded in its history. Due to water shortages, farmers and gardeners have had to find ways to Grow Vegetables During Droughts.
Proper timing for planting
Planting earlier, significantly during spring, reduces exposure to high mid-summer temperatures. Plants also take advantage of the warm weather during the period. When one plants later in the fall, supplemental water is minimized.
Plants establish themselves by taking advantage of seasonal rains. Nightshade crops such as peppers and tomatoes should only be planted after the soil attains a temperature of 55 degrees.
Efficiency in using water
When you think of water during gardening, there are two aspects to consider: how to water and when. Answering the “how” question means using the best irrigation method. Drip irrigation systems are known to conserve water dramatically.
The water used is even less here if you group plants with parallel water requirements together in one drip irrigation line. The drip system is relatively easy to install, especially for home gardeners growing vegetables during a drought.
Considering the peak watering times, the “when” aspect can be answered well. Constantly water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening. At these two times, the rates of evaporation and transpiration are highly minimized, so the water used is equally lower.
Vegetables and fruits have periods that call for increased water demand. For most crops, water is needed before establishment, after which the rate of watering is gradually reduced. It is advisable to reintroduce watering only after the fruit-setting process begins (during the flowering period).
Use of mulch When Growing Vegetables During a Drought
When you use a 3-4 inch thick mulching material, the average reduction in water use is about 50%. Mulch reduces the rate of evaporation from the soil surface and keeps the temperature cool during a hot summer.
It is also a good means of adapting while growing vegetables during drought. Materials used for mulching include dried leaves, straw, grass clippings, pine needles, and hay, among others. However, hay is not encouraged as it contains seeds that bear weeds, which become problematic.
Spacing Vegetables
Agronomists recommend that gardens be planted in an enclosed space. By doing so, gardens retain water for a more extended period. When grown in the open soil, the water is liable to higher environmental loss. An enclosed space is usually raised in a bed with easy access to the crops. It is thus easy to carry out management practices. The enclosed spacing can be used to grow vegetables during a drought because it maximizes production.
Choice of crops
Growing vegetables during a drought can be daunting if you don’t have the right crop variety. For this reason, one is advised to purchase varieties adapted to the hot and dry climate. Many heirloom varieties from the Mediterranean region are the best choice during drought.
They are tolerant of the hot and dry climate. Often, smaller varieties bred for containers yield more bountifully than standard varieties. Keep away from water hogs. Crops like asparagus, chard, eggplant, and peppers are the best choices.
Weeding
Weeds compete with crops for nutrients, sunshine, and, most importantly, water. Retaining weeds in your garden may make growing vegetables during a drought hectic.
Therefore, it is vital to get rid of the weeds, especially before they flower. This practice will prevent the weeds from stealing water meant for the crops.
The takeaway
Knowing the various tips explained above makes growing vegetables during a drought less hectic. One can approach any drought season with confidence. Conserving water is the basic underlying truth any gardener cannot ignore.
Choosing the right variety that suits the dry season also serves as a tip against the hit by the heat. It is essential to embrace the adoption of best management practices, too. Combining all the tips will always leave the best results to any gardener, irrespective of the season.
Global Warming and Climate Change
In fact, Global Warming and Climate Change have become massive problems worldwide. With record highs in summer and record lows in winter, climate change has become a reality. Global warming is causing a major shift in climate conditions worldwide. In the Western Cape, Grey Water Harvesting has become big business as all homeowners try to ride out the drought.
