Garden Detective

I have been re landscaping the yard beginning May 07. It has been a true challenge with the drought and water restrictions. The lot is 110x175, a 6' privacy wood fence installed and stained. I have done a slope area from fence to street. It is arranged very lovely including several Knockout Roses which are still blooming some now December 8th. I have mulched heavy and will continue with shredded leaves and pine straw. I've even released several earth worms under the mulch. Not a lot of grass, just like I want but many plants. I'm still concerned about 70+ daytime temperatures with no rainfall to talk about. Will these roses need water or will they be okay? They have been in the tilled and mulched ground about three weeks. I planted them with soil conditioner and compost under them. I'm a 64 year old woman with a farming back ground but I'm unsure about the plants and the weather problems of lack of rain. I watered in the dug hole as I sat them out. Thanks for addressing my concerns. -- Jewel, 35055

Hi, Jewel.

Though low-maintenance, Knock Out roses need regular watering just like any other plant in your garden. And if it doesn't come from rainfall, you'll need to continue supplemental irrigation until they go dormant.

You don't say where you live, but if the number you provided is a zip code, I'm guessing that's Alabama. I understand the situation in Alabama, which is experiencing the worst drought in its history. I've read that some farmers have lost not only one, but two crops this year.

For your plants to survive, water must be provided through dormancy or they're likely to suffer the same downfall as those farmers' crops. This is true regardless of what your winters are like, and is especially important during the first year, until the plants get fully established.

I admire the extra steps you've taken due to the water restrictions, but unfortunately the plants don't know anything about municipal regulations. They only know they're thirsty. I recommend watering deeply when permitted. Infrequent deep waterings are preferable to more frequent shallow waterings. The latter could be a waste of water, as it won't do much for the plant if it doesn't reach down to the root system. Water deeply when permitted and keep your fingers crossed.

If you anticipate the drought conditions will continue, you should consider xeriscaping -- the installation of plants with low-water needs. Contact your local agricultural extension office for a list of xeriscape-suitable plants. Of course, they, too, will require supplemental watering until fully established, but then their water needs will drop sharply. In general, stick to native plants, which are accustomed to the climate and should have an easier time getting established. And waiting until spring will allow newly planted plants sufficient time to get established. Plus, drought concerns might be over by then.

Concerning the mulch -- your intentions are righteous, but don't apply too heavily. A nice 2-inch layer is appropriate in spring to retain moisture and block weeds. More should be applied after the ground freezes, to protect against freeze-thaw cycles. But over-mulching could cut the plant's water supply, lead to rot and disease, curtail photosynthesis and invite rodents. Since you've already applied it, rake the mulch away from the stem for now and push it back after the ground freezes.

In general, shallow-rooted plants or those growing in poor-draining (clay) soil should not receive more than 2 inches of mulch. For plants that root more deeply or those that are growing in loamy or sandy soil, you can mulch 3 or 4 inches. Also, coarse mulches can be applied more heavily than fine-textured ones because air circulates more easily through them to the soil.

Good luck!
Jessica