Be realistic
In times of drought there will be losses. To save water and health, prioritize plants to keep and plants to lose. Anything easy to grow from seed or cuttings should be left and grown again next year.
Create a plant ark
Although Noah had an abundance of water, he could only fit two of each kind in the ark. If you have repeat perennials, focus on saving one of each to divide or take cuttings from next spring and sacrifice the rest (biblical references end here).
Use trays
Place dishes, plates, baking trays, anything you can find under all the pots, saving every drop.
Use shadow
Reduce watering needs by moving pots to shady areas. Sun loving plants will easily survive a few weeks like this. Run mesh shade over ground plants during the hottest times and over polytunnels and greenhouses (shading can be used in the latter).
What about vegetables?
If you’ve lovingly grown a tomato plant and it’s in the middle of growing, put it on the storage list. Consider sacrificing less nutritious, water-guzzling edibles like lettuce.
Water deeply and drain
Instead of a little water every day, soak the plants weekly to lock moisture deep into the soil and add a layer of compost on top to lock it in. Watch for wilting plants in the morning or evening as they are desperate for water. Plants wilting during the day can be misleading because it is usually a natural response to heat, which rebounds as temperatures drop.
Soapy water
Organic gardeners may be reluctant to use dishwater on plants, especially the ones you eat, but during drought it is necessary. A 100% natural detergent liquid helps ornamental plants, saving clean water for edibles. Try not to use too much soapy water on plants, except in pots, it will be fine, but it can change the composition of the soil, having an unknown impact on vital microscopic soil life.
Is it okay if lawns turn completely brown?
Lawn grasses evolved to survive drought by going dormant. Your lawn may look dead, but it will make a miraculous recovery. Avoid wear and seed-worn patches in the fall. You can use soapy wash water on lawns, but it’s a drop in the desert, better saved for other plants.
Can I relax watering indoor plants?
If your houseplant is a succulent or cactus, stop watering immediately. They are made for drought. Leafier houseplants can suffer in hot sun without enough water, move them away from windows to reduce water needs until the drought is over. Some, like the ficus, may resent the movement and drop a few leaves, but will recover.
Time for a change
Notice which plants suffer the most from the drought and consider replacing them with plants that look happier. Drought-tolerant plants include hylotelephium, yarrow, fennel, rosemary, sage, salvias, meadow wildflowers and ornamental grass Jarava ichu.
Plant in the ground
If you have a lot of pots, it is much easier to grow plants in the ground. The roots will spread deeper and deeper for water.
Prepare for next time
Strike while the ground is warm, now attach a dock or water tank to the drainage pipes, increasing rain harvesting for future droughts.
