April 11, 2003
NU Experts: Water, Careful Observation is Key to Plant Survival During Drought
LINCOLN, Neb. — Careful observation and proper watering is key to keeping plants healthy if Nebraska faces another drought year, University of Nebraska horticulturists say.
Under drought conditions, people need to be observant early in the growing season to keep track of the water needs of their plants, said Kim Todd, landscape horticulture specialist.
Proper watering will be most important this summer, said Anne Streich, horticulture educator.
"When plants start to wilt, the leaves roll or start to turn yellow or reddish-brown – these are signs that plants are drought-stressed and need water," Streich said.
However, these same symptoms can indicate the plants have been over watered, which causes their roots to die, Todd said. To avoid this, check the soil moisture before watering.
"Pick up a clump of soil. If it's a soggy ball, it's too wet. If it holds together, it doesn't need water just yet, but when it crumbles it needs water," the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources specialist said.
Water needs depend on the plants and their growing environment. In Nebraska, most garden plants need about an inch to an inch-and-a-half of water per week. Todd said it's best to apply water at the roots and use deep watering practices that allow plants to form deeper roots and a greater ability to seek water at lower depths.
Laying a hose at the base of the plant or using a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system will apply the water slowly so the plants can easily absorb it, she said. Also, watering plants early in the morning will reduce evaporation and allow any water on plant foliage to dry before evening, which helps minimize disease problems.
Adding mulch, such as wood chips or crumbled leaves mixed with pesticide-free grass clippings and wood chips, to the planting bed will help retain moisture. Todd recommends adding 3 to 4 inches of mulch in landscape beds and 1 to 2 inches in perennial beds. Make sure the mulch is not directly against the trunks of trees and do not bury the crowns of perennials.
"Mulch keeps the soil temperature cooler, reduces erosion and helps control weed growth, which reduces competition for water," she said.
With water restrictions expected throughout the summer, it may be necessary to prioritize landscape water needs, Streich said.
"Trees and shrubs are the toughest and most expensive to replace, so they should receive as much water as they need to remain healthy," she said. "Think carefully about using annuals that require frequent watering – you might want to restrict their use this year."
If selecting new plant varieties this year, Todd recommends drought-tolerant plants, native species and those that are adapted to the area.
"Drought-tolerant, sustainable landscapes don't have to look like you forgot to weed or mow," Todd said. "There are many ornamental drought-tolerant plants, including perennials, grasses, trees, shrubs and vines, that can be combined in landscapes for a pleasing appearance. However, don't convert an existing landscape to highly drought-tolerant plants without talking to an expert."
Remember, drought-tolerant plants need water too, Streich said.
"Just because they say they're drought-tolerant doesn't mean they don't need any moisture, especially in the establishment year," she said. "Newly installed plants need water every week. Established plants need a good soaking about once every 2 to 3 weeks during extreme drought and a little less during moderate drought."
For more information on plant survival during drought, contact a local Cooperative Extension office or a landscape professional. For more information and a list of drought-tolerant plant varieties, consult NU Cooperative Extension publication G99-1400-A, Watering Nebraska Landscapes: When and How Much, available at a local Cooperative Extension office.
4/11/03-KH
Anne Streich
Agronomy and Horticulture
Extension Horticulturalist
(402) 472-1640
Kim W. Todd
Agronomy and Horticulture
Associate Professor
(402) 472-8618
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News and Photography (402) 472-3030
Department: Agronomy & Horticulture
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