5 Tips for a Drought-Tolerant Garden
Droughts have plagued many US states throughout the years.
Some severe, others less so. But even though we’ve seen a reduction in drought
intensity across the country, these natural disasters are still frequent in
many regions.
During scorching summer days when the sun beats down on us
mercilessly and leaves the earth dry and cracked, you can own a garden that
defies the odds and lives amid arid conditions - a drought-tolerant garden.
Are you ready to learn how to create a garden during water
scarcity?
Let’s start.
What Is
a Dorught-Tolerant Garden?
A drought-tolerant garden is an approach to landscaping that
conserves water. We often refer to it as a xeriscape garden because it contains
plants, shrubs, and trees that grow in regions with limited water resources.
Drought-tolerant gardens help homeowners and communities
reduce water consumption and ensure vibrant gardens during water scarcity.
Benefits of Drought-Tolerant Gardens
Aside from the obvious - drought tolerance, there are many
benefits of xeriscaping. Some include:
●
Water
conservation: Drought-tolerant gardens use less water, so homeowners can
reduce water bills more easily.
●
Low maintenance:
These gardens don’t need much upkeep, as the plants are hardy and resilient.
●
Biodiversity:
Xeriscaping supports a range of native plant species and provides sustenance
for wildlife like pollinators.
●
Environmental
Benefits: Drought-tolerant gardens reduce water use and promote a healthier
ecosystem.
Of course, this isn’t a full list of advantages, but it
covers the main points. In reality, you won’t grasp all the benefits until
you’ve invested in a xeriscape garden.
The Difference Between Drought-Tolerant and
Drought-Resistant
Many use drought-tolerant and drought-resistant
interchangeably, but this is incorrect.
Drought-tolerant landscaping means it can withstand drought
conditions, but may still need some water. Drought-tolerant plants are often
more versatile and adaptable to varying water conditions.
On the other hand, drought-resistant plants are more
self-sufficient. These plants can survive extended periods of drought with
little supplemental water. Drought-resistant landscaping has adapted to arid
climates and is highly resilient.
The 5
Best Tips for a Drought-Tolerant Garden
If you’re aiming to achieve a flourishing, eco-friendly
garden, you’ll need to do some thorough research. To get you started, here are
a few tips you can incorporate into your planning:
1. Plant
Drought-Tolerant Plants
You can’t have a drought-tolerant garden without
drought-tolerant plants. Opt for species that have evolved to withstand water
scarcity. Usually, these are native plants, since they’ve adapted to the local
climate over the years.
But if the plants native to your area aren’t conducive to
your aesthetic, here are some beautiful drought-tolerant plants to include in
your garden:
●
Lupine
●
Cactus
●
Thyme
●
Lantana
●
Lavender
●
Artemisia
●
Stonecrop
●
Succulents
●
Coneflowers
●
Licorice plant
2. Use
Compost in the Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful
drought-tolerant garden. The best way to ensure your soil is good is by
incorporating organic compost. This will enhance its water-retention capacity
and make your plants more hardy.
Compost will improve the soil structure and provide
essential nutrients to your plants. As an added perk, composing will mitigate
other dangers of climate change, like heavy downpours. When you enrich the soil
with compost, you promote water percolation (the movement of water through
soil), which prevents puddles from forming beneath the surface and rotting
plant roots.
3. Use
Water-Conserving Equipment
Planting drought-tolerant plants is not the end-all-be-all
of a xeriscape garden. Look beyond and tackle the equipment, i.e. embrace
water-efficient irrigation.
Let’s talk watering. You should never spray water into the
air because the leaves will be the only part benefitting from it. Instead,
install drip irrigation systems, speaker hoses, or rain barrels to distribute
the water directly to the soil and roots. This way, you’ll reduce evaporation
and can control and adjust watering schedules based on plant type and weather
conditions.
4. Include
Artificial Foliage
While a drought-tolerant garden predominantly features
living plants, they may prove difficult for some. In this case, introduce
artificial foliage into the mix. Not only is this a practical choice for those
lacking green thumbs, but it will also add to your garden’s aesthetic appeal.
Artificial topiary, for example, requires no
water, pruning, or pest control. It adds texture, color, and visual interest to
your outdoor space while reducing the need for living vegetation and
contributing to a sustainable landscape. If you use it intentionally, artificial
foliage will be valuable for any drought-tolerant garden.
5. Delay
Planting Projects
Patience is a virtue when planning projects for a
drought-tolerant garden. If you’re undertaking a garden or landscaping project,
wait until after the dry spell passes. Newly established plants often demand a
lot of water to kickstart their growth, which could set you back.
