Gardening in an Exceptional Drought

An exceptional drought is a period of unusually dry weather that is significantly longer and more severe than a normal drought. These droughts can have a devastating impact on plants, animals, and ecosystems. Over the past month, due to our lack of significant rain, Travis County has sadly progressed from a state of extreme drought to a state of exceptional drought. And no, there is no drought level worse than exceptional. Just like in July, we continue to have a high pressure dome reside over Texas, causing those triple-digit temps and no sign of significant rain.

If you are gardening in an exceptional drought, it is important to take extra precautions to protect your plants. Here are some tips:

Choose the right plants. When choosing plants for your garden, select those that are naturally drought-tolerant. Some good options include cacti, succulents, and native plants.
Water deeply and infrequently. When you do water, water your plants deeply so that the water reaches the roots. This will help the plants to survive even if they don’t receive water for a while.
Mulch around your plants. Mulch helps to keep the soil moist and cool, which can help to reduce water evaporation.
Use a drip irrigation system. A drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the roots of the plants, which can help to reduce water waste.
Avoid fertilizing. Fertilizing can encourage plants to grow quickly, which can lead to more water loss.
Inspect your plants regularly. Check your plants for signs of drought stress, such as wilting leaves or browning tips. If you see any signs of stress, water your plants immediately.
Be patient. It may take some time for your plants to adjust to the drought conditions. Be patient and give them the care they need to survive.

In addition to these tips, there are a few other things you can do to help your garden survive an exceptional drought:

Collect rainwater. If you have a rain barrel, collect rainwater to use for watering your plants.
Install a graywater system. A graywater system collects and reuses water from your sinks and showers for watering your plants.
Plant drought-tolerant trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs can help to shade your garden and reduce water evaporation.
Create a wildlife habitat. A wildlife habitat can help to attract birds, insects, and other animals that can help to control pests and pollinate your plants.

Gardening in an exceptional drought can be challenging, but it is possible to have a beautiful and productive garden even during dry conditions. By following these tips, you can help your plants thrive and enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful: