How To Conserve Garden Soil Moisture During The Summer Months

This past winter marked a record-breaking drought spanning two decades, causing significant challenges for farmers in meeting deadlines and meeting the required standards for crop size, yield, and quality. The situation worsened as the dry spell extended into spring, particularly affecting the southern regions, where rainfall plummeted to a mere fifth of the usual average.

In such extraordinary aridity, our young plants necessitate assistance to establish themselves and flourish. Early and adequate watering provides the much-needed moisture, enabling seedlings to exhibit robust and consistent growth. However, the frequency of subsequent watering depends on your soil’s ability to withstand dry conditions, and this is where your involvement becomes crucial.

The forthcoming advice aims to enhance your soil’s capacity to retain moisture during dry spells and effectively drain any surplus during prolonged heavy rainfall, creating a buffer against both ends of the spectrum.

Organic matters

Harnessing the power of organic matter is a fundamental and readily available method to enhance your soil’s condition. By incorporating ample quantities of well-rotted organic matter, you can effectively improve both the structure and nutrient content of the soil.

This approach proves particularly beneficial for heavy clay soils, as it prevents them from hardening excessively during dry weather. Moreover, when rainfall finally graces the land, the soil becomes more receptive, facilitating better absorption of the much-needed water.

Conversely, in periods of excessive precipitation or the typically damp winters we experience, clay soils enriched with organic matter offer improved drainage, allowing them to warm up more swiftly as spring arrives.

For soils that tend to be sandier, piling on organic matter works to impede drainage, thereby significantly augmenting the soil’s water-holding capacity. This proactive step ensures that your soil retains moisture for longer periods.

Now, the question arises: What organic matter should you add to your soil? The answer primarily depends on what resources you have access to. If you have the means, garden-made compost is an excellent choice. It boasts relatively high nutrient content, and chances are you already have some of it readily available.

However, if you struggle to generate sufficient amounts of compost, consider obtaining it from your local council. This option is often cost-effective (and sometimes even free in specific council areas), and although it may not be as nutrient-rich as garden-made compost, it still contributes significantly to building valuable soil structure.

In addition to compost, you can also consider incorporating spent mushroom compost into your soil. While it may have lower nutrient levels, it remains a valuable addition. Furthermore, don’t overlook the incredible potential of leaf mold—an organic material that can be added to the soil when it reaches the age of just one year.

Animal manures are another organic matter source that can be obtained in abundance. However, exercise caution when using them. In recent years, concerns have emerged regarding herbicide contamination in manures, which can be present either through ingestion or animal bedding.

To mitigate any potential risks, ensure that the manure you use comes from a trusted source. If uncertain, inquire about the use of herbicides. If the manure is fresh, it is advisable to stack it up and allow it to decompose for at least a year until it reaches a crumbly consistency. This practice also minimizes the chance of active chemicals persisting within the manure.

When it comes to adding organic matter, it’s challenging to go overboard. If you choose to incorporate it by digging, a layer around 4 inches thick will work wonders for your soil. Use a fork to mix it thoroughly into the soil, concentrating it within the top 8 inches—the depth where the roots of your plants reside. Alternatively, if you prefer a no-dig gardening approach, gradually introduce organic matter in small increments, taking advantage of any available gaps to add another layer. The diligent worms in your soil will gladly assist in incorporating it for you.

By harnessing the power of organic matter through these methods, you can establish a soil environment that thrives, promoting optimal plant growth and ensuring long-term soil health.

The marvels of mulching

Mulching is a magnificent technique that utilizes organic matter to its fullest potential. By applying mulch around growing crops, whether made from organic sources like compost or non-organic materials such as polythene or slate chips, we create a protective shield for the soil. This shield not only inhibits the penetration of light, making life difficult for weeds, but also prevents rapid drying of the soil.

When it comes to mulching, organic or biodegradable options are highly recommended. Not only do they serve as a barrier, but as they break down, they also enrich the soil with valuable nutrients. It is important to note that organic mulches require more frequent replacement. Consider using materials like bark and wood chips, straw, hay, seaweed, or even the ever-reliable grass clippings, which happens to be my personal favorite.

All these organic mulches can be applied directly to the soil surface as needed, and their impact is truly remarkable. They work wonders by significantly reducing moisture loss through evaporation. Furthermore, they act as a protective layer between the soil surface and the air, acting as a cushion for raindrops. During heavy rainfall, the mulch allows rainwater to trickle down gradually, ensuring it penetrates the soil instead of running off over the surface.

For optimal results, it is advisable to spread mulch after a substantial downpour or once you have thoroughly soaked the ground. This way, the valuable moisture is locked in, benefiting your plants in the long run. Prior to mulching, it is essential to remove any existing weeds, especially persistent ones like couch grass and bindweed. The amount of mulch you apply depends on the type of plants you are growing.

For annual vegetables such as lettuce, a thin layer, perhaps just half an inch thick, would suffice to prevent them from being overwhelmed. Conversely, established fruit bushes and trees thrive with a thick carpet of mulch, as deep as 4 inches, while ensuring the material is slightly pulled back from the central trunk.

The thickness of the mulch also varies depending on the type you are using. For instance, straw may appear loose initially, but it gradually compacts over time, allowing for a thicker layer to be applied. On the other hand, a 4-inch layer of seaweed mulch would require numerous trips with a heavy wheelbarrow to gather a significant amount from the beach.

Embracing the wonders of mulching empowers you to optimize plant growth while conserving moisture and suppressing weed growth. So go ahead, unlock the potential of your garden by embracing the marvels of mulches.

Nurturing your garden with grass clippings

When it comes to mulching, grass takes center stage as a popular choice. Many of us have lawns that require regular cutting throughout the growing season, providing a convenient and continuous supply of grass clippings—just when plants are in need of mulching.

Grass clippings possess remarkable qualities due to their high nutrient content. To maximize their effectiveness, it is essential to spread them out in a relatively thin layer. Otherwise, they may intertwine and form a slimy mat. The key here is to apply grass clippings little and often. Their lightweight nature and rapid decomposition make them perfect for scattering around various types of vegetables.

By mulching with grass clippings, you create a cool and shaded area beneath, which becomes a favored hangout for pest-munching insects like ground beetles. Moreover, this practice provides protective cover for the roots of vulnerable crops such as broccoli and carrots, shielding them from threats like cabbage root maggots and carrot fly.

Before applying fresh grass clippings, allow them to dry out slightly. Apply the clippings in a thin layer initially and replenish as they start to turn brown. Be mindful to avoid clippings with numerous seed heads—make sure to remove those dandelions before they complete their flowering cycle!

Get rid of the weeds

Strategic use of mulches can significantly contribute to winning the battle against weeds. However, any weeds that manage to infiltrate or grow in areas without mulch in your kitchen garden should be promptly removed. Weeds actively compete with your crops for vital resources, including water. Therefore, the fewer plants drawing on soil moisture, the longer it will last.

Annual weeds that have not yet produced seeds can be pulled up or hoed off and left in place, effectively acting as their own mulch. Sunny or windy days will quickly desiccate these weeds. However, if they have been uprooted instead of merely decapitated, wet weather can sometimes cause them to reestablish by re-rooting. As for perennial weeds, leave their foliage on the soil surface but be meticulous in digging out their roots and disposing of them away from your garden plot.

Embracing the power of grass for mulching not only nurtures your plants but also helps to maintain a cleaner and weed-free environment. Let the lushness of grass clippings work its magic in your garden, promoting healthier growth and minimizing the intrusion of unwanted weeds.

Other water saving ideas

Screens:

Utilizing shade netting is a popular practice in arid regions of the southern US. Apart from providing shade for cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce, shade netting also acts as a barrier, reducing soil evaporation. Additionally, you can employ netting or shelterbelts to filter and redirect wind, which has the tendency to whisk away moisture on warm days.

Sheets:

Sheet mulches offer a low-maintenance solution, particularly suitable for larger crops such as squashes, beans, and robust brassicas. Simply roll or lay out the sheet mulch over the ground, secure the edges with pegs or weights, and create planting holes by cutting X shapes in the mulch and folding the flaps inward.

This method ensures most of the ground remains covered, eliminating the need for frequent weeding and preserving soil moisture. The most popular materials for sheet mulches are paper or generously overlapping layers of cardboard, preferably with a thick layer of organic matter beneath, providing an ideal growing environment.

Drip Irrigation Systems:

Consider installing a drip irrigation system, which delivers water directly to the plant roots, minimizing water waste through evaporation and ensuring efficient water distribution. This targeted approach promotes healthier plant growth while conserving precious water resources.

Rainwater Harvesting:

Make the most of nature’s bounty by implementing rainwater harvesting techniques. Collect rainwater from gutters and downspouts into rain barrels or storage tanks. This harvested water can then be used for watering plants, reducing reliance on traditional water sources and saving money on utility bills.

Mulching with Gravel or Rocks:

For areas prone to extreme heat or in regions with limited water availability, mulching with gravel or rocks can be a practical solution. These non-organic mulches create a protective barrier, minimizing soil moisture loss through evaporation. Additionally, they can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden while conserving water.

Concluding

Implementing water-saving strategies in your gardening practices not only helps conserve this precious resource but also promotes healthier plants and more sustainable ecosystems. By exploring alternative mulching techniques such as shade netting, sheet mulches, and even gravel or rock mulches, you can significantly reduce water evaporation, suppress weed growth, and improve soil moisture retention.

Moreover, incorporating additional measures like drip irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting further enhances your ability to efficiently manage water usage in the garden. These innovative approaches empower you to nurture your plants while minimizing water waste and environmental impact.

By adopting these water-saving ideas, you play an active role in creating a more sustainable and resilient garden. Embrace the power of organic matter, explore diverse mulching options, and implement smart irrigation practices to ensure your plants thrive while conserving water resources for future generations. Let’s work together to create a greener and more water-conscious world through our gardening endeavors.

Additional resources:

Smart tips for gardening on dry soil

If you see this plant in your backyard, don’t touch it!

How to grow and maintain a drought-resistant garden

The #1 food of Americans during the Great Depression