RICHMOND—As drought conditions persist across Virginia, gardeners can help conserve water while unlocking a healthier garden.

About 82% of the state was under moderate-to-extreme drought conditions on July 21—impacting 6.1 million residents, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Virginians are encouraged to take voluntary, commonsense steps to conserve water use.

Droughts in Virginia can have far-reaching impacts on agriculture, water availability and wildfires. Voluntarily conserving water can help the state avoid mandatory water restrictions if drought conditions continue.

“We all require water to survive,” remarked Elizabeth Cooper, Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Surry and Sussex counties. “If we all do our part in reducing our water use during times of drought, we ensure that we’ll still have clean and abundant water sources for the next generation.”

And watering the garden wisely can yield happier plants while saving time, money and energy.

“Water smart,” she advised. “Make sure you’re watering early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun’s not at its highest so you don’t burn your plants.”

Gardeners should watch plants for signs of drought stress, including droopy plant leaves, and browning between veins and on leaf edges. Crispy leaves are an indicator of leaf scorch.

Cooper also encourages gardeners to “water intentionally” at the base of plants rather than “flooding the entire area,” and avoid running a sprinkler for longer than 20 minutes.

“When we’re worried about conserving water, maybe water every other day instead of every day,” she added.

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, watering deeply and less often can enhance the resiliency of the plant’s root system. A slow, saturating soaking at a lower pressure is ideal for most plants. Water meters can help determine when to water plants.

“And make sure you’re picking varieties that you won’t have a hard time watering, can keep up with, and are a bit hardier,” Cooper said. “Look for ‘better in full sun, hardier, drought-resistant’ on plant tags.”

The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers additional water-saving gardening tips for summer:

• Use soaker hoses to ensure 90% of your water is going to your plants while limiting weed growth.
• Capture and store water by planting into natural depressions where water pools, building up soil around plants to capture water, or sinking a plastic pot into the ground up to the rim beside especially thirsty plants. Water into the pot, which will then feed the water directly to the root zone.
• Collect rainwater—ideal for plants—from your roof, greenhouse, shed and gutters into water barrels in close proximity to where you’ll need it.
• Remove weeds to eliminate competition for moisture.
• Use shade and wind protection, such as shade cloths in hot weather and windbreaks. Taller crops like corn also can cast shade and protect smaller plants, and sprawling vines can help protect the soil.
• Improve soil with compost. Build up your soil by adding at least an inch of compost each year. Good soil improves water-holding capacity.
• Mulch to retain moisture. A 6- to 8-inch layer of organic mulch around your plants can significantly cut water needs by increasing the humidity level around plants, blocking weeds, moderating soil temperature and preventing compaction.

Visit The Old Farmer’s Almanac website for more water-saving tips.

Media: Contact Cooper at 757-294-5303.