Gardening in a drought.

Recent heat and drought have created numerous challenges for gardeners in Durham. Since last summer, gardeners have watched as leaves curled and burned. Even when the weather cooled, there still was not enough rain, forcing many plants to return to seed.

“It wasn’t only that we didn’t have the rain,” says Greg Nace, director of horticulture at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. “There’s stress on the plant because of heat, high temperatures and wind. All these elements made the situation much more critical.”

Read complete article from Duke University website. >

Ten tips for gardening in drought conditions:

1. Plant in the fall when the ground is still warm and dormant plants can establish roots
   
   
2. Focus new plantings on shade trees and shrubs, which will slow rain evaporation
   
   
3. Choose plants with grey foliage, or hairy, velvety leaves
   
   
4. Plant bulbs that are adapted to alternating wet and dry seasons in April or May
   
   
5. Use mulch like pine bark, hardwood and cypress to help keep soil moist
   
   
6. Use composting to keep soils healthy and help retain moisture
   
   
7. Once water restrictions are lifted, use drip irrigation instead of soaker hoses
   
   
8. Catch rainwater runoff from the roof with canisters or trash bins
   
   
9. Consider drought-tolerant alternatives to a green lawn, such as ornamental grasses
   
   
10. Use sand or gravel in soggy areas to store water for a “rain garden”

- Store Hours -

Mon - Fri. 8 am -6 pm
Saturdays 8 am - 5 pm
Sundays 1 pm - 5 pm

Drought Updates

We have
Rain Barrels!

60 Gal size - $119.00
80 Gal size - $139.00