According to the latest drought report from NOAA, many areas of the Mid-Atlantic are experiencing above-normal temperatures and abnormally low rainfall. Across the region, soil is becoming dry and brittle, and high winds are further desiccating plants, causing many to shed their leaves early.
To help maintain plant health, it’s essential to water plants before they reach the wilting stage or begin dropping leaves. Watering perennials before a frost or freeze can also protect roots and improve resilience.
Best Watering Practices
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Direct Soil Watering: Apply water directly to the soil using a hose, soaker hose, tree bag, or watering container. This approach minimizes evaporation and reduces the risk of fungal infections. In dry, windy weather, up to 38% of water can be lost to evaporation if using a sprinkler.
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1-Inch Weekly Watering for Shrubs, Trees, and Perennials: For optimal hydration, aim to provide the equivalent of one inch of rain weekly, applying it around the drip line of plants. The drip line is the area beneath the edge of the plant canopy, where roots extend outward. By watering this zone deeply, you encourage roots to grow downward and outward, promoting a robust root system.
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Simple Water Measurement Tip: To gauge one inch of water, place a tuna can at the end of your soaker hose. When the can is full, you’ve delivered about an inch of water. Depending on water pressure, this might take approximately 45 minutes.
Watering Needs by Plant Type
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Containers and Potted Plants: Water daily, as these are exposed to heat and air from all sides, causing roots to dry quickly.
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Newly Planted Perennials, Shrubs, and Trees: Apply one inch of water weekly directly to the soil.
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Established Plants (5+ Years): Water with a one-inch application every two weeks to maintain health.
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Annuals: Water twice weekly or allow them to naturally decline, as they have a shorter life cycle.
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Lawns: Water deeply twice weekly to maintain color, but avoid daily or light watering as it stresses roots. Alternatively, let the lawn go dormant until fall rains revive it.
In extreme drought, prioritize which plants to water. Native plants, having survived through centuries of droughts, often recover without much intervention.
