Minnesota Summer Watering Tips During Drought Times
Spring is a busy time with getting your plants ready for the Summer ahead, by when Summer comes and there is little to no rain, it can be quite concerning. Especially for your newly planted perennials that aren’t quite established just yet. During the Summer when there is little to no rain in Minnesota, it is important to practice the most efficient watering tips to conserve time, energy, and water. Practicing these simple watering tips will help to keep your plants healthy and alive.
6 Watering Tips for Minnesota Summers during Drought Times
Water deeply and less frequently: Instead of watering your plants every day, water them deeply once or twice a week. This will encourage deeper root growth and help your plants become more drought tolerant. If you see your annuals are wilting still, be sure to continue watering them enough to give them a drink, but keeping the same heavy soak once or twice a week.
Watering in the morning or the evening: Watering your plants in the morning or the evening when the temperatures are cooler will reduce water loss from evaporation. Focus watering at the root base of your plants. With intense heat, and depending on your species of plants, watering some foliage can cause burn or drying out at a fast rate.
Use mulch: Applying a layer of mulch around your plants can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce need for watering.
Use a rain barrel: Collecting rainwater in a barrel can provide a free source of water for your plants and reduce your water bill.
Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation: Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the roots of your plants, reducing the risk of foliar diseases and conserve water.
Use self-watering pots: Self watering pots such as TruDrop Pots are great especially for these tougher times in the summer with little to no rain. Tru Drop pots conserve water in their tank and disperse water when plants need it. Filling up these Tru Drop pots is only needed once a week if that!
By following thise tips and tricks, you can keep your plants healthy while conserving water during dry spells in Minnesota.