08/19/2025
As water restrictions persist and south Texas remains under drought conditions, it is challenging - and heartbreaking -to watch our plants struggle to survive.
There are guidelines to follow when dealing with drought-stressed plants.
Should one prune their plants? NO!
Pruning stimulates new growth, which requires water that the plant lacks in a drought situation. Thus, pruning should be limited to the bare minimum. It adds stress: the effort to heal pruning wounds and support new growth imposes significant stress on an already struggling plant. Pruning also causes additional water loss: open pruning wounds can lead to increased water loss, further dehydrating the plant.
What can be done instead?
Remove deadwood: safely eliminate any branches that are clearly dead, as they no longer pose a liability and will not require energy for new growth.
Water deeply and infrequently: with Stage 3 water restrictions still in effect, saving plants necessitates drastic measures.
-Capture and reuse grey water for plants from sinks, showers, and laundry.
-Place buckets in showers or outside to collect rainwater.
-Plug drains to catch water and reuse -Consider installing rain barrels.
Provide plants with deep, infrequent watering rather than daily sprinkling to encourage stronger root systems that are more resilient to drought.
Mulching: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture.
Control weeds: remove weeds that compete with plants for water and nutrients.
Avoid fertilizing: fertilizer encourages new growth, which is detrimental to drought-stressed plants.
Wait for recovery: refrain from pruning until the drought ends and the plant has recovered its hydration. Patience and restraint are crucial.
For assistance with your gardens and struggling plants, contact Gardens and More at 361-727-7109, we will provide services that are best for your plants! We are committed to helping plants survive the drought.
