When watering drought-resistant plants, the schedule changes based on how long they have been in your ground. New plants need water twice per week for their first month while roots grow into the soil. After that first year, most drought plants need water only every two to three weeks during dry spells. The trick is knowing when your plants switch from babies that need care to tough survivors.
Your drought plant water schedule matters most during the first growing season. Water must reach deep into the soil where you want roots to grow down. UNL Extension research shows shrubs need moisture down to 18 inches (46 cm) while perennials need at least 8 inches (20 cm) depth. Light watering creates weak roots that cannot survive real drought later.
I learned this lesson the hard way with my first batch of lavender plants a few years ago. I watered them a little bit every single day because I thought they needed constant moisture. Within a month, three of the five plants rotted right at the soil line from too much water. The roots sat in wet soil and died because I never let them dry out.
My second attempt went much better once I understood how roots grow and seek out water. Roots only develop into areas where moisture exists in your soil at any given time. When you water deep and then let the soil dry, roots chase that moisture down. Light watering keeps moisture near the surface and roots never reach deeper.
Knowing how often water xeriscaping beds need takes some trial and error at first. Water twice per week for the first month after planting to help roots settle in. Cut back to once per week for months two through twelve of your first growing season. By year two, reduce watering drought-resistant plants to every two or three weeks.
Watch your plants for signs that tell you when they need a drink of water. Leaves that droop in morning sun signal true thirst and need for water right away. Healthy drought plants only wilt in hot afternoon heat and bounce back by evening. Gray or dull leaf color often means your plant needs water soon.
The best time to water your drought plants is early morning before the sun gets hot. Morning watering lets leaves dry before nightfall and prevents fungal disease. Water the soil at the base of your plants rather than spraying leaves from above. A soaker hose or drip system delivers water right where roots can use it.
Test your soil moisture instead of following a strict calendar. Push your finger 2 inches (5 cm) into the soil near your plant and feel for moisture. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it is time to water deeply. If you feel moisture, wait a few more days and check again.
Mature plants with good irrigation frequency dry garden style reward you with freedom from constant care. My three-year-old Russian sage and sedum get water maybe six times per summer now. They bloom better than when I fussed over them with frequent irrigation. Trust your plants to handle dry conditions once roots grow deep.
Read the full article: Top 10 Drought Resistant Plants for Gardens
