Top 10 tips to water your garden during a drought

Canada saw some drought relief over the winter, but moderate to severe drought is still present across much of the country. 

And with forecasts calling for warmer-than-normal temperatures this spring and summer, dry conditions could quickly return in some regions.

For gardeners, that means being more intentional about how and where you use water.

So we did some research and pulled together some of the most useful, expert-backed advice to help you keep your garden going with less.

Top 10 tips to water your garden during a drought:

1. Water the most important plants first: Focus on established plants like trees and shrubs that would be harder to replace. You’ll also want to prioritize any raised beds or containers because they don’t hold as much moisture.

2. Water deeply, not often: Soak the soil well so water reaches the roots. Quick, light watering will stay at the surface, and be quicker to dry out.

3. Water early in the morning: This helps stop water from evaporating in the heat, and gives plants time to absorb it.

4. Add mulch: Use brown leaves, straw, or untreated, locally sourced wood chips to keep moisture in the soil and protect roots.

5. Focus on perennials: These plants come back every year, so they may be worth the water more than annual flowers.

6. Be smart with vegetables: Water more when vegetable plants are flowering or producing. Peppers, winter squash, carrots, and kale are all very drought resistant so you can water them less.

7. Water less near harvest: Crops like potatoes and onions don’t need as much water right before you pick them.

8. Reuse water when you can: Use leftover water from rinsing food or waiting for the shower to warm up. Avoid soapy or greasy water.

9. Cut back where you can: Let your lawn go brown (it’s usually not dead), pull weeds that are competing for resources, and skip fertilizer during a drought.

10. Plan for the future: Add compost and plant drought-friendly or native plants to help your garden hold water better. They’re better for the planet, too!