I t was a hot dry summer this year. That is probably a gross understatement considering that most of our state has been under a burning ban the last few weeks due to the overly dry conditions. It has been a challenge to gardeners to grow healthy plants and get good vegetable and flower crops from the hard dry soil this season gave us. In this article I want to outline some techniques for you to follow to get the most out of your gardens during a challenging period of drought. When preparing any garden soil, work in a three inch layer of well rotted compost before planting.
Compost provides nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
Organic matter helps to hold moisture, giving the roots of your plants some reserve water when the climate dries out. Existing perennial plants can have 1-2 inches of compost scratched into the soil around the base of the plants annually. When working the compost in be careful not to damage existing root structure, particularly on plants that have shallow roots. Kelp contains a natural substance that helps plants to weather dry conditions with less stress. Don't use more than that amount because kelp also contains some natural substances that promote rapid growth.