Garden Column for the Salisbury Post

Darrell Blackwelder

November 14, 2001

     I was hoping that I could avoid writing about droughts, but
we are at a critical stage with the shortage. The county is still
in a serious drought situation and it does not appear to be much
relief in sight.
     Homeowners should also be aware of these drought conditions.
The cooler temperatures often fool homeowners thinking that since
cold weather has arrived the need for irrigating is not
necessary. Plants need water during dormancy as well as their
growing season.
	Those that seeded new lawns this fall have the delimma of
irrigating the newly seeded areas. Once the small seedlings
emerge, it is very important to keep the sparsely rooted
seedlings irrigated to maintain growth and allow root expansion.
Those that choose to reduce irrigation or stop all together risk
partial or total loss of their fall planting.  It is a difficult
choice for many especially for those on municipal water with
restrictions or those with weak wells.
     Valuable trees and shrubs also need water during the winter
for for survival. October received no appreciable rainfall and
many plant materials and shrubs are under stress. Plant roots
continue to grow and develop during fall and winter months.  It
is very important to keep trees and shrubs irrigated during fall
and winter drought periods.
     Trees and shrubs that are damaged by the drought usually do
not show signs during dormancy as they do during the summer
months. Many plants do not show damage until the spring. The
extended drought may take out many large tree species,especially
red oaks.
      The best time to water during cold weather is during the
heat of the day when the ground is not frozen.  It may be
challenge to water plants during cold weather with stiff hoses
and frozen nozzles, but the task is still very important.
 Dogwoods, rhododendron, azaleas, and camellias have shallow
root systems, easily drying out in this type of weather. One to
two inches of water during the week during an extended drought is
sufficient amount for established trees and shrubs.
     Newly planted shrubs may need more water. Remember, do not
over water these shrubs, as over­watering kills trees and shrubs
much quicker than droughts.
     Three inches of organic mulches such as bark or pine needles
helps conserves soil moisture in the landscape.  Now is a good
time to refurbish landscapes by adding organic mulches.
	Consider a drip irrigation system for next spring.  Drip
systems put water where it's needed without waste.  It's a fairly
inexpensive system that will pay for itself for water savings in
one season.

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of
horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in
Rowan County. Visit the Master Gardener Volunteer Website at
www.rowanmastergardener.com for additional information and
previously published garden columns.