Drought conditions can challenge even the most experienced gardeners and landscapers. When water becomes a scarce resource, knowing how often—and when—not to water—can make the difference between a thriving landscape and one that withers away. This article explores the best strategies for watering plants, lawns, and gardens during a drought, backed by science and expert advice.
Drought’s Impact on Soil and Plants
To understand how often to water during a drought, it’s crucial to first understand what drought does to your landscape. Prolonged dry conditions lead to soil moisture depletion, increased soil temperatures, and reduced nutrient availability. Plants respond by slowing growth, dropping leaves, or even going dormant to conserve energy.
Understanding drought stress symptoms:
- Wilting leaves
- Browned or crispy leaf tips and edges
- Reduced flowering and fruiting
- Premature leaf or flower drop
Recognizing these signs can help you decide whether to water or not. However, it’s also essential to not overwater, as this can lead to root rot or encourage shallow root growth—which is counterproductive during dry spells.
Factors Influencing Watering Frequency During a Drought
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for watering during droughts. Instead, the frequency depends on a combination of factors. Here’s what you need to consider:
1. Type of Plant
Some plants are more drought-tolerant than others. Native plants, succulents, and xerophytes (plants adapted to dry conditions) require less water. However, ornamental plants, vegetables, and shallow-rooted trees or shrubs will need careful attention.
2. Soil Type
Clay soils hold onto water longer, while sandy soils drain quickly. Determining your soil type can help you customize your watering plan accordingly.
3. Seasonal Variations
Even in drought conditions, seasonal weather changes affect water needs. Plants transpire more during the heat of summer and less during spring and fall. Adjust your schedule for temperature, humidity, and wind patterns.
4. Irrigation Method
Different irrigation methods—such as drip systems, soaker hoses, sprinklers, or hand watering—deliver water at varying rates and efficiencies. Efficient systems reduce waste and ensure that the water reaches the root zones.
Watering Lawns During a Drought
Lawns are particularly susceptible to drought stress. Still, overwatering won’t help—they need a strategic irrigation approach.
How Much Water Do Lawns Need?
Most established lawns require about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, from rain or irrigation. During a drought, reduce this slightly to conserve water. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage deeper roots.
Watering Schedule: How Often and When?
- Early morning (5 a.m. – 10 a.m.) is the best time to water your lawn. This minimizes evaporation and ensures the water soaks in before solar intensity increases.
- Water 2–3 times per week, aiming for deep, thorough irrigation to reach root zones, typically 6–8 inches deep.
- Avoid daily watering. Fungal diseases and shallow rooting can result from frequent light watering.
Alternative Strategies During Severe Drought
- Allow cool-season grasses to go dormant. They will brown but can still recover when water returns.
- Raise the lawnmower blade height. Taller grass shades the soil and retains moisture.
- Apply an organic mulch or compost to help the soil retain moisture and regulate temperature.
Watering Gardens During a Drought
Garden plants, especially edibles and annuals, often need consistent, targeted irrigation to maintain productivity and health. Smart watering is even more important during droughts to minimize waste while preserving crop yield and ornamental beauty.
Vegetable Gardens: Prioritize Smart Watering
Vegetables in the fruiting stage (like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) or root vegetables (like carrots and beets) require consistent soil moisture. Sudden moisture fluctuations can lead to cracked fruits or misshapen roots.
Best practices:
– Water directly at the root zone using drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
– Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch to reduce evaporation.
– Water early in the day to prevent evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Frequency for Vegetable Gardens
| Plant Type | Ideal Watering Frequency |
|——————–|————————–|
| Tomatoes | Every 3 to 5 days |
| Leafy Greens | Every 2 to 3 days |
| Root Crops | Every 3 to 5 days |
| Beans and Peas | Every 5 to 7 days |
| Squash and Melons | Every 3 to 5 days |
Note: Adjust according to soil moisture observed when inserting a finger a few inches into the soil.
Flower Gardens and Ornamental Plants
Many ornamental shrubs and perennials can survive with less frequent watering once established. Native or drought-tolerant species—such as lavender, yarrow, or sedum—are excellent choices for sustainable gardens.
- Water deeply once every 10–14 days instead of shallow, daily sprinkling.
- Group plants with similar water requirements together to streamline irrigation.
- Deadhead flowers regularly to reduce stress and conserve energy.
Water Conservation Strategies in Drought Conditions
Water conservation should be at the forefront of any drought response. Using water wisely not only reduces your water bill but also ensures this vital resource is available when it’s most needed.
Install Water-Saving Devices
- Drip irrigation systems are far more efficient than traditional sprinklers, saving up to 60% of typical water use.
- Install a rain sensor or smart irrigation controller to adjust watering based on actual weather conditions.
Collect and Reuse Water
Harvest rainwater using barrels or cisterns to supplement garden watering. Water from household sources like boiled vegetable water or dehumidifiers can be reused safely (cool and non-salty).
Mulching: A Simple but Powerful Tactic
Organic mulch (e.g., bark, straw, wood chips) creates a barrier over the soil, trapping moisture and keeping roots cool. In both gardens and landscape beds, mulch can help you reduce watering by up to 50%.
Select the Right Plants
Consider replacing high-water plants with native or drought-tolerant species. Group plants by their water needs to manage irrigation more efficiently.
Best Times and Methods for Watering
Timing and method matter just as much as frequency when conserving water and promoting plant health.
When Should You Water?
The best time to water is early in the morning, just before or as the sun rises. This period has the least wind and heat, which minimizes evaporation and ensures the water gets to where it’s needed most.
Avoid watering midday, as high temperatures can cause rapid evaporation, reducing water availability to the plants. Late-evening watering carries the risk of contributing to fungal growth due to prolonged leaf wetness.
Watering Techniques to Consider
| Method | Efficiency | Best For |
|—————–|————|—————————|
| Drip Irrigation | High | Gardens, shrubs, trees |
| Soaker Hoses | Moderate | Small beds, long rows |
| Sprinklers | Low-Moderate | Lawns, large turf areas |
| Hand Watering | Variable | Container plants, precise care |
The goal is to apply water directly to the soil without overwatering.
How to Test Soil Moisture: Avoid Guesswork
How do you know when it’s time to water? Relying solely on appearance can lead to over or under-watering. Instead, use these easy techniques:
Finger Test
Insert your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
Soil Moisture Meter
A soil moisture meter gives an accurate read of soil moisture levels, helping you water only when necessary.
Plant Observations
Look for signs of wilting or flagging, but distinguish between temporary wilting (recovering by evening) and permanent wilting (not recovering), which signals a critical need for water.
Test Locations for Spot Checking
| Area | Frequency |
|——————|———–|
| Lawn | Weekly |
| Vegetable Gardens| Every 3–5 days |
| Flower Beds | Every 7–10 days |
| Established Trees| Every 2–4 weeks |
Spot-checking helps identify irrigation gaps and avoid waterlogging.
Proper Irrigation for Trees and Shrubs in Drought
Trees and shrubs can often weather drought better than annuals or turf because of deeper root systems. However, young or recently transplanted specimens require careful attention.
Trees: Watering Deep and Slow
Trees benefit most from deep, infrequent watering that reaches their root systems. Water at the drip line (the outer edge of the canopy) and its surroundings, where most of the fine roots absorb nutrients and moisture.
- Water once every two to four weeks during drought.
- Use a soaker hose or a modified bucket with holes to slowly drip water over the soil.
Shrubs: Adjust Frequency Based on Exposure
Shrubs in full sun may need more frequent watering than those in shadow or sheltered locations. Again, focus on the root zone and apply mulch to reduce evaporation.
- Water deeply once every 10–14 days for established shrubs.
- Use drip irrigation under the mulch layer for best results.
Using Technology to Optimize Drought Watering
Modern technology can help you conserve water while maintaining healthy plants.
Smart Controllers and Soil Sensors
Automatic irrigation controllers with weather sensors adjust your watering schedule in response to real-time conditions. They can pause your system during rain or damp periods, avoiding unnecessary watering.
Mobile Apps for Water Budgeting
Some apps can calculate the optimal watering schedule for your region, plant types, and soil conditions, helping you use data instead of guesswork to optimize water use.
Regional Water District Tools
Many regions affected by drought provide plant-specific calculators and watering recommendations based on local weather and water restrictions. Contact your local extension office for customized advice.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Conservation and Plant Health
Watering during a drought isn’t about the same schedule for all plants. It’s about understanding your region, soil type, plant needs, and available resources. With intelligent planning, conservation techniques, and technology, you can preserve your landscape and support biodiversity—even under the most challenging drought conditions.
By focusing on efficient watering methods, strategic timing, and choosing drought-appropriate plants, you not only conserve one of our most valuable resources—you also cultivate a landscape that’s healthier and more resilient in the long run. So, when you’re asking “how often should I water during a drought?” remember: less is more, when it’s timed right.
How often should I water my lawn during a drought?
During a drought, it’s best to reduce lawn watering to once every two to three weeks, depending on the severity of the drought and local restrictions. Grass typically goes dormant during dry spells, which means it stops growing and turns brown, but it can recover when moisture returns. Overwatering during these times not only strains water supplies but can also weaken the lawn’s resilience to future droughts.
However, if you choose to maintain a green lawn, apply about ½ to ¾ inches of water every two weeks. This light irrigation helps keep the roots hydrated without promoting shallow growth or wasting water. Consider using drought-resistant grass varieties or replacing your lawn with native, low-water-use plants to reduce your long-term water needs while supporting local ecosystems.
What are the best times of day to water plants during a drought?
The most efficient time to water plants during a drought is early morning, ideally between 5 AM and 9 AM. This allows plants to absorb moisture before the midday sun causes rapid evaporation. Watering in the early morning also reduces the risk of fungal diseases, as the foliage has time to dry off during the day.
Avoid watering in the evening or at night, as this can create damp conditions that encourage mold and root rot. If morning watering isn’t possible, late afternoon (after 4 PM) is the next best alternative. Using drip irrigation or soaker hoses during these cooler periods also enhances water efficiency by delivering moisture directly to the root zone where it is needed most.
How can I tell if my plants need water during a drought?
Signs that plants need water during a drought include wilting or curling leaves, dull or faded color, and unusually dry or cracked soil. You may also notice reduced growth or flowering, as plants conserve energy and moisture. Checking soil moisture with a meter or by digging a few inches below the surface can help determine if moisture is available to plant roots before symptoms become severe.
Another way to assess plant health is to gently bend a small branch — if it snaps easily, the plant may be suffering from drought stress. Prioritize watering for young, newly planted specimens or container plants that dry out more quickly. Established native plants often have deeper roots and can withstand drought conditions with minimal or no watering if they were properly cared for during their establishment phase.
Are there plants that require less water during drought periods?
Yes, many plants have been bred or naturally evolved to thrive with minimal water, making them ideal for drought periods. These include native grasses, succulents like sedums and agave, and Mediterranean plants such as lavender, rosemary, and sage. These types of plants have deep root systems or water-storing tissues that allow them to survive extended dry spells with little supplemental water.
Using drought-tolerant species in your garden not only conserves water but also supports biodiversity and reduces maintenance. These plants often require less pruning and fertilizer and can adapt better to local climate conditions. Pairing them with organic mulch and appropriate soil amendments helps retain soil moisture and improves long-term water efficiency in the landscape.
Should I water vegetables differently during a drought?
Yes, vegetables generally require more frequent watering than ornamental plants because they are often grown for continuous produce and have shallow root systems. During a drought, prioritize drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the base of plants, minimizing evaporation and runoff. Watering deeply once or twice a week is usually better than light, daily sprinkling, as it encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil.
To maximize efficiency, group vegetable plants with similar water needs together in the garden, a practice known as hydrozoning. Early-morning watering is especially important for vegetables, giving the plants time to uptake water before the heat of the day. Growing drought-tolerant varieties like tomatoes, peppers, and beans can also reduce water use while maintaining a productive garden.
Can mulching help reduce the frequency of watering during a drought?
Yes, mulching is one of the most effective ways to conserve soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering during drought periods. A 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves, acts as an insulating layer that keeps the soil cooler and prevents water evaporation from the surface. It also helps control weeds, which compete with plants for moisture and nutrients.
Mulch should be applied around trees, shrubs, and perennials, leaving a small gap around the base to avoid rot. For vegetables, apply mulch once the soil has warmed up sufficiently in spring. In addition to moisture retention, mulching improves soil health as it breaks down, adding organic matter and supporting beneficial microorganisms. It’s a simple yet powerful strategy in sustainable drought gardening.
Do indoor plants need regular watering during a drought?
Indoor plants still require regular watering during a drought, but their water needs can often be reduced by adjusting care routines. Many houseplants can survive on less water by slowing growth during dry periods, especially if they’re not exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources. Monitor plants for signs of drought stress, like dry leaf edges or wilting, and adjust watering accordingly without overwatering.
To conserve water, group plants with similar moisture needs, use self-watering pots, or repurpose leftover cooking water (without salt or oil) for irrigation. Trim damaged or dead foliage to reduce stress on the plant and improve appearance. Choosing low-water indoor plants such as snake plants, zz plants, and succulents helps maintain greenery without excessive water use, supporting your conservation goals during drought conditions.