Floriculture Extension Drought Bulletin

For information on drought conditions in Massachusetts and other helpful fact sheets, visit www.umassdroughtinfo.org/

The headlines this spring may read, "Drought of the Century" or "Steady Rain Continues for the 5th Straight Weekend". The concerns are real, but can we really predict the weather? Many in the Floriculture industry are concerned about the effects a prolonged drought will have on sales of flowering plants this year. There is a chance that we will have normal rainfall this spring. A spring with normal rainfall may not ease the long-term drought, but would be satisfactory for planting annuals and perennials. Normal rainfall would allow plants to become established in the garden. Once established, plants will tolerate dry conditions with little maintenance.

There are things that flower growers and garden retailers can do to prepare for the worse case scenario. First, be sure decision makers in your town are aware of how complete water bans will effect businesses in the green industry. Next, talk with your customers and have visible information available about ways to enjoy gardening if the drought continues. Advise customers to take proper steps to insure that plants get well established in the garden.

Tips for successful gardening during a dry season

• Choose the right plant for the right place. Different plants prefer sunny, part-shade, moist or dry conditions. Many annual and perennial plants on the market are considered drought tolerant (see list below).
• Incorporate organic matter such as leaf mold, well-rotted manure or compost at a rate of about 25% of soil volume into the top 8-10 inches of the garden area. This improves moisture retention and soil structure.
• Avoid growing in raised beds. Plants in raised beds tend to dry out more quickly.
• If plants can't be planted right away, keep them in a shady area. Plant on cloudy days or in the early evening.
• Water plants in their containers before planting and water thoroughly right after planting. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage a deep root system until plants are well established. Encourage the use of drip or soaker hoses to conserve water and assure plant survival. Water early in the morning for maximum benefit and most efficient water use.
• Promote the use of organic mulches such as bark chips. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch applied when soil is moist will conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds.

Special Tips for Container Gardening

• Containers must be big enough to give roots room to grow. Consider the plant's mature size, when choosing container size. Avoid growing vigorous plants in small containers, which will become pot-bound and hold little moisture.
• If using unglazed clay pots, line the pot with plastic to hold moisture. Unglazed clay dries fastest and requires more frequent watering.
• Fill containers with pre-moistened potting media deep enough so new plants, root ball intact, can be set at the same depth they grew in the original containers. Fill in around each plant with additional media. Be sure all roots are covered and plants are anchored securely. The soil surface should be ½ inch below the rim of the pot to collect water.

Drought conditions and water conservation may be an ongoing concern to your customers. Advising customers on ways to enjoy gardening and still be environmentally aware will be beneficial to your customers, to your community and to your business.