Garden Column for the Salisbury Post

Darrell Blackwelder

November 10, 2005

 

The small amount of rain earlier this week is not enough to ease the drought
situation. This weather is very similar to the fall of 2001, with the  exception of unseasonably warm temperatures.    

            Ironically, November is historically one of the driest months of the year

and homeowners should be aware that droughts occur during fall and winter months.   Cooler  temperatures often fool homeowners into thinking that when cold weather arrives the need for irrigating is not necessary. Plants need water during
dormancy as well as their growing season.     

            Those that seeded new lawns earlier this fall have the dilemma 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 with weak wells.    

            Valuable trees and shrubs also need water during the winter for survival. We have 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 irrigate during cold weather is during the heat of the day when the ground is not frozen. Supplying water may be a challenge 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. But, remember, do
not over water these shrubs; over watering 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. With an
impending drought, now would be good time to add organic mulches.

      Also, consider installing a drip irrigation system for valuable plants 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 Service in Rowan
County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan
County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail
Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu