It is going to be a hotter and drier summer than usual across the country. So predict Environment Canada’s weather wonks, safely ensconced in air-conditioned offices in the nation’s crapital.
What can the average gardener do? Many a dry chuckle will be heard if xerophytic landscapes are recommended. True there are some plants, particularly perennials that tolerate drought – after they have become established. But the problem lies in existing plantings. And these, need we be reminded, are doing much to improve the environment as well as the physical and mental health of urban inhabitants.
Most gardens require a half-inch of water every three days. That goes for trees, shrubs, flowerbeds and lawns Vegetables and herbs, particularly on lighter, well-drained soils may require daily applications. Almost certainly container plantings will require the same, and in especially hot, windy weather twice a day.
At average urban water pressure, a half-inch equals allowing a sprinkler to run for an hour in one location. The preferred sprinklers, incidentally, are those that oscillate back and forth, covering an oblong area of ground. Those that whizz madly in a circle like a distracted meteorologist distribute water less evenly.
Optimum time for watering is in the early hours of the morning. “Oh sure, so you expect me to be up at two in the morning?” No, but a simple timer attached to the faucet will accomplish this. There are also twin connections available that split the flow between two sprinklers.
Better timers come with a locking mechanism to prevent theft. There are oscillating sprinklers sold with built-in timers but these may tempt the less than honest into larcenous activities.
Some plants, roses for example, dislike having wet foliage. The answer here lies in a soaker hose, which oozes water slowly and constantly. These can be installed beneath a mulch which will reduce the need for watering still further.
In fact mulches can be used to great benefit throughout the garden. Compost is an excellent choice; bark chips less so since they extract nutrients from the soil as they break down.
What about an emergency when municipalities ban using sprinklers? If water has been applied every three days, encouraging roots to grow deeply chasing available supplies, most of the garden will recover even after several weeks of drought.
The bad news is that vegetable gardens will not. The only answer is to save water from personal ablutions and washing dishes, allow to it cool and use to irrigate the veggies as well as thirsty containers.
Meanwhile, as nearby gardeners and neighbours both wilt in the heat, sit back in the shade with a suitable beverage to hand, and contemplate on your perspicacity.
Wes Porter is a horticultural consultant and writer based in Toronto. Wes has over 40 years of experience in both temperate and tropical horticulture from three continents.
