By Blake Jackson
Hot temperatures, strong winds, and inconsistent rainfall have created challenging conditions for gardens and landscapes across much of Wisconsin this summer.
According to Bruce Spangenberg, Horticulture Outreach Specialist with the UW-Madison Division of Extension, homeowners should focus on watering the plants that are most vulnerable to drought stress as dry weather continues.
Vegetable gardens require special attention during key stages of development. Crops such as sweet corn, beans, tomatoes, and peppers need a consistent water supply to support ear, pod, and fruit formation. Insufficient moisture during these critical periods can reduce both crop yield and quality.
Applying mulch around vegetable and ornamental plants helps retain soil moisture, allowing gardens to withstand longer periods without rain or irrigation. Watering early in the morning is also recommended, and keeping foliage dry—especially on tomatoes—can help reduce the risk of plant diseases.
Flower beds, ornamental gardens, and groundcovers have different water requirements depending on the plant species and growing conditions. Gardeners should monitor areas that repeatedly show signs of heat stress and consider replacing those plants with more drought- and heat-tolerant varieties in the future.
Hanging baskets and container plants deserve the highest watering priority because they dry out much faster than plants growing in the ground.
Newly planted trees and shrubs also need regular watering to help establish healthy root systems. Water should reach the entire root zone, but excessive irrigation should be avoided, particularly in clay soils where poor drainage can damage roots.
Even mature trees and shrubs benefit from supplemental watering during extended dry periods since many of their water-absorbing roots are located near the soil surface.
Brown lawns may appear unhealthy during hot, dry weather, but cool-season grasses naturally enter dormancy and typically recover when moisture returns.
During prolonged drought, applying one-quarter to one-half inch of water every two to four weeks is generally enough to keep crowns and roots alive until favorable growing conditions return. Developing a watering priority plan now can help protect landscapes through the remainder of the summer.
Photo Credit: pexels-jimmykphotos
Categories: Wisconsin, General