Central North Carolina, like many regions, is susceptible to periods of drought. Drought is a deficiency in precipitation over an extended period, usually a season or more, resulting in a water shortage causing adverse impacts on vegetation, animals, and/or people, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. During a drought, plants struggle to absorb the water and nutrients they need to survive, which can lead to wilting, stunted growth, and even death. Plants rely on water for photosynthesis, the process they use to create energy. Without enough water, this process slows down, and the plant cannot sustain itself. The good news is, with a few proactive measures, you can help your garden not only survive but thrive through a drought.

Start with Healthy Soil and Proper Mulching

The key to a resilient garden is healthy soil. Soil rich in organic matter, such as compost, acts like a sponge, retaining moisture and providing a steady supply of nutrients to your plants. If you can, amend your soil with between 2-6 inches of compost before planting by incorporating with a tiller or spade shovel. Once your plants are in the ground, apply a 2-3 inch layer of compost annually under your mulch. This is excellent to do on already established plants too. Mulch every 8-18 months with 2-4 inches of organic matter. Mulch, like shredded bark, wood chips, or  pinestraw, helps reduce water evaporation from the soil, suppresses weeds that compete for water and nutrients, keeps the soil temperature more stable and builds soil organic matter. These simple practices can dramatically reduce your watering needs.

Get Plants Established and Don’t Overwater

Proper watering practices are essential, especially for newly planted gardens. Getting plants established means providing them with consistent water so their root systems can develop. For the first few weeks after planting, water deeply and infrequently. This encourages roots to grow down and out into the soil, seeking out water, rather than staying near the surface where they are more vulnerable to drying out. Once established, many plants need less frequent watering. Don’t overwater; this can be just as harmful as underwatering. It can lead to root rot and other diseases. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil moisture before you water. Stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Finally, keep turfgrasses, like bermuda and centipede away from your trees, shrubs and other plants. They have aggressive roots that are great at scavenging water and nutrients away from other plants.

Prioritize and Adapt Your Watering Strategy

In a long-term drought, you’ll need to make some tough choices. Trees, shrubs, and perennials often have deep, extensive root systems and are more drought-tolerant than annuals or vegetable gardens. While they may need some help during an extended dry spell, annuals and vegetable gardens have a greater and more immediate need for water. They have shallow roots and the goal with growing them is to produce a harvest. To ensure a good harvest, you will need to provide them with adequate and consistent water. This is true for fruit-bearing trees, as well. They need consistent moisture, even though they are trees. Even so, during a severe drought, consider giving established landscape trees and shrubs a deep watering to take the edge off. A slow, deep soaking once every few weeks can make a huge difference in their long-term health and survival. This is especially true for dogwoods and cherry trees.

By focusing on building healthy soil, using mulch, and watering wisely, you can help plants reach their full genetic potential, even when faced with the challenges of drought. With a little planning and effort, your garden can remain a beautiful and productive space, no matter what the weather brings.

Amanda Bratcher is the Horticulture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Lee County.