Post by Sprouts on Jun 24, 2013 9:15:11 GMT -5
Droughtlook 2013
So we might not be in a state of "Pa says we goin' to Cally-fornia" just yet, but a lot of folks are predicting we're not too far off (word of caution: much like in the 30s, California probably isn't going to provide too much drought relief this year). The current NOAA prediction looks like so:
Good news is that, east of the Mississippi River, things are looking okay. However, for those of you living west of the Mississippi, and particularly those living in the Southwest, 2013 is looking to be another rough year. Of course, as you can see on the image, these predictions are based on "subjectively derived probabilities guided by short- and long-range statistical and dynamical forecasts," which is really just a synonym for, "we guess… hmm… maybe… uh… this?" Or in the other words, the NOAA is saying that 2013 is probably going to be another terrible year but not definitely another terrible year.
Of course, it can't hurt to be prepared. In fact, it's probably a very good idea. No one can say with certainty what the next few months will bring, and predictions aside, this is the weather we're talking about, and the weather just kinda seems to do what it wants.
What we're going to be talking about this month will be more along the lines of "things to think about when considering an oncoming drought" and less "what to do when my tomato plant bursts into flames."
So, without further ado, Things to Think about When Considering an Oncoming Drought:
Water Conservation: It doesn't take much searching to find lots of folks talking about this, and whether or not cities/towns will start imposing water use restrictions. Of course, you don't have to be mid-drought to want to conserve water, a healthy water bill can do that. However, there are plenty of things you can do to conserve some water here and there.
•Collect extra water. Many people suggest keeping buckets in the shower to collect extra water, or even shutting off the water between rinsing and soaping up. You can also collect your bath or dishwater instead of sending it down the drain. This may seem a little gross, but, undoubtedly, it will save a lot of water.
•Rain barrels. Pretty simple, but rain barrels collect rain water you can then use on your plants.
Strategic Planting: This one might be too late, but it is a good idea to plant your drought-tolerant plants together and your drought-intolerant plants together.
Overall Strategy: In fact, a general strategy for your garden is great to have, especially during a drought. For instance, if it really does hit the fan, you might have to make the tough choice between what plants to focus on, and what plants to let go. Having a sense of this beforehand can help prevent some of the panic.
Lawn Care: Big, open, bright green, beautifully-trimmed lawns take a lot of flak for being water hogs. Not surprisingly then, they're often mentioned in water-restriction lists. However, there are a few things you can do to ease the lawn burden.
•Mow the grass on a higher setting. This allows the grass to establish deeper roots, and the deeper the roots go, the better chance they have of finding water.
•Plant low-maintenance grass cultivars. Grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, and tall and fine fescue have been bred to have deeper root systems that require less water.
•Just let it be. Look, grass is very resilient. And while a big ol' brown lawn might irritate you to no end, grass tends to grow back quickly, and it's advisable to focus your time and watering efforts on other things.
Learn How and When to Water: When plants get stressed they basically go into "emergency mode," where they'll conserve water and slow their growth. Watering too much will counteract this process and likely damage your plants. Also, knowing what plants are more tolerant (and more established) than others will help you know what to water.
•When. Early morning is best. The water can be absorbed before it's evaporated by the sun, and you don't run the risk of leaving your plants wet going into the night, which can cause fungus to grow.
•How. Slowly and right at the roots is the best practice. Soaker hoses are a good substitute if you don't have the time to hand water everything.
Mulch. Mulch is kind've amazing. It helps the soil retain moisture, provides a road block for weeds, and can help insulate your plants when winter comes. Plus, some people really like the smell.
If you havent started growing Fodder, "Get on it now,"
So we might not be in a state of "Pa says we goin' to Cally-fornia" just yet, but a lot of folks are predicting we're not too far off (word of caution: much like in the 30s, California probably isn't going to provide too much drought relief this year). The current NOAA prediction looks like so:
Good news is that, east of the Mississippi River, things are looking okay. However, for those of you living west of the Mississippi, and particularly those living in the Southwest, 2013 is looking to be another rough year. Of course, as you can see on the image, these predictions are based on "subjectively derived probabilities guided by short- and long-range statistical and dynamical forecasts," which is really just a synonym for, "we guess… hmm… maybe… uh… this?" Or in the other words, the NOAA is saying that 2013 is probably going to be another terrible year but not definitely another terrible year.
Of course, it can't hurt to be prepared. In fact, it's probably a very good idea. No one can say with certainty what the next few months will bring, and predictions aside, this is the weather we're talking about, and the weather just kinda seems to do what it wants.
What we're going to be talking about this month will be more along the lines of "things to think about when considering an oncoming drought" and less "what to do when my tomato plant bursts into flames."
So, without further ado, Things to Think about When Considering an Oncoming Drought:
Water Conservation: It doesn't take much searching to find lots of folks talking about this, and whether or not cities/towns will start imposing water use restrictions. Of course, you don't have to be mid-drought to want to conserve water, a healthy water bill can do that. However, there are plenty of things you can do to conserve some water here and there.
•Collect extra water. Many people suggest keeping buckets in the shower to collect extra water, or even shutting off the water between rinsing and soaping up. You can also collect your bath or dishwater instead of sending it down the drain. This may seem a little gross, but, undoubtedly, it will save a lot of water.
•Rain barrels. Pretty simple, but rain barrels collect rain water you can then use on your plants.
Strategic Planting: This one might be too late, but it is a good idea to plant your drought-tolerant plants together and your drought-intolerant plants together.
Overall Strategy: In fact, a general strategy for your garden is great to have, especially during a drought. For instance, if it really does hit the fan, you might have to make the tough choice between what plants to focus on, and what plants to let go. Having a sense of this beforehand can help prevent some of the panic.
Lawn Care: Big, open, bright green, beautifully-trimmed lawns take a lot of flak for being water hogs. Not surprisingly then, they're often mentioned in water-restriction lists. However, there are a few things you can do to ease the lawn burden.
•Mow the grass on a higher setting. This allows the grass to establish deeper roots, and the deeper the roots go, the better chance they have of finding water.
•Plant low-maintenance grass cultivars. Grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, and tall and fine fescue have been bred to have deeper root systems that require less water.
•Just let it be. Look, grass is very resilient. And while a big ol' brown lawn might irritate you to no end, grass tends to grow back quickly, and it's advisable to focus your time and watering efforts on other things.
Learn How and When to Water: When plants get stressed they basically go into "emergency mode," where they'll conserve water and slow their growth. Watering too much will counteract this process and likely damage your plants. Also, knowing what plants are more tolerant (and more established) than others will help you know what to water.
•When. Early morning is best. The water can be absorbed before it's evaporated by the sun, and you don't run the risk of leaving your plants wet going into the night, which can cause fungus to grow.
•How. Slowly and right at the roots is the best practice. Soaker hoses are a good substitute if you don't have the time to hand water everything.
Mulch. Mulch is kind've amazing. It helps the soil retain moisture, provides a road block for weeds, and can help insulate your plants when winter comes. Plus, some people really like the smell.
If you havent started growing Fodder, "Get on it now,"