Creating a drought-resistant garden starts with choosing the right plants and using smart gardening techniques. By focusing on drought resistant plants and making a few simple changes to how you care for your space, you can grow a thriving garden that needs less water and maintenance.
Creating a drought-resistant garden takes a bit of planning, but in the end, it pays off. This guide covers the best plant choices and tips to help your garden stay strong, even during dry spells.
Location
Choose garden space in the yard that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Size and layout matters — smaller gardens are easier to keep moist. If you’re feeding a large family, consider digging two (or more) small gardens about 8 feet long. Raised garden beds absorb moisture easily.
Soil Toil
Improving dry ground dirt with compost helps the soil retain moisture. Rainwater absorbs into the ground at different rates, but in dry climates or periods of drought, it takes even longer — if the water doesn’t evaporate or dry in the sun first, that is. Soil with organic matter slows down the drying process.
Moisture
Even drought resistant plants need water. Keep soil from drying out by using these techniques.
- Apply mulch. Layer organic (and compostable) materials such as leaves, straw, cardboard, bark, or shredded paper over garden soil to keep moisture in.
- Add organic material like peat moss, compost, or coir.
- Water deeply. Infrequent but deep watering allows plant root systems to drink in and retain moisture.
- Water slowly. Large amounts of water don’t absorb quickly. Drip line irrigation systems release water slowly into the garden. Automatic timers help determine when it’s time to water.
- Water the garden early or late in the day to minimize evaporation.
- Place similar plants together in the garden.
Harvest Rainwater
Rainwater is a precious commodity that may be lacking in dry climates. Rain barrels and cisterns collect water that runs off from the roof of your home, storage shed, or any other building on the property. Although saved rainwater is not meant for drinking, spraying on, or washing fruits and vegetables, it can be used to hydrate grass sod, ornamental plants, and the base of vegetable stalks where the roots are.
Drought Resistant Plants
Choosing plants that can handle a dry spell makes the DIY garden work a little easier. Drought tolerant and native plants with long taproots are readily available in flower nurseries and garden stores. Here are a few to consider:
- Coneflowers
- Bearded irises
- Lantana
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Salvia
- Verbena
“Dry” plants like aloe vera, cacti, and other succulents thrive outdoors in hot, dry climates, but don’t do well in areas where the temperature consistently dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re not living in USDA plant hardness zones 9-11, choose cold-hardy outdoor succulents like sempervivums, agave, sedums, and opuntias.
Rock Gardens and Xeriscaping
Rock gardens don’t need much water, don’t require a lot of DIY upkeep, and prevent soil erosion. Xeriscaping with drought-tolerant plants conserves water. Xeriscaping is also thought to offset heat islands where urban areas with a high density of people are hotter than nearby rural neighborhoods.
Weed Deed
Weeds absorb a lot of water, especially if they’re growing near flowers and vegetables. Weeding the garden — especially in dry weather — keeps these unwanted plants from encroaching on and choking out the good stuff. Weed the garden once a week or more often as needed.
Gardening in a dry climate just got a whole lot easier, thanks to these tips. Drought-resistant succulents, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and vines will turn your boring, wilted grass into a lively and abundant garden.
Teri Silver is a journalist and outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband live on 5 acres with a vast lawn, three gardens, a farm, a pond, many trees, and a lot of yard work! The best parts of the year are summer and fall when home-grown veggies are on the dinner table.
