How is it we're always taken by surprise with weather? Weather unpredictability has been the source of jokes for centuries, yet we always seem to get caught off guard. I know that when weather goes to extremes, gardening is not a top priority. Keeping yourself safe has to take priority. But the occasional heat wave and short periods of drought shouldn't daunt the passionate gardener. Putting some thought into the plants you chose and how you care for them can mean the difference between a garden that can rough it through and a parched patch of earth. I know a lot of you are experiencing heat waves and water shortages, so I guess it's as good a time as any to brush up on xeriscaping and drought tolerant plants.
Colorado Extension has an interesting short piece by By John Pohly, called How Much Water??? Mr. Pohly touches on how much water it takes to grow certain plants. He starts off with corn, which just started coming in, in my area, this past week. One corn plant, producing 1-2 ears of corn, uses 2-4 gallons of water per week. An acre of corn scoffs up 350,000 gallons during the growing season. That's a lot, but at least it's an edible plant.
If you haven't incorporated at least some elements of xeriscaping in your garden and yard, here are some quick tips to mull over, while you find a spot in the shade to stay cool. Southwest Florida Water Management District spells out 7 Steps to a Successful Xeriscape. Xeriscaping was first defined in Colorado and Colorado Extension has some Common Sense Xeriscaping for Small Lot Owners (CO Extension). Don't forget to check out your own local Cooperative Extension site and see what they have to say.
Photo: Jonathan Wood / Getty Images.
Comments