Preparing Your Plants for the Impending Water Stress

Published on 22 September 2023

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Water Stress is going to start showing in your plants, with the hot and dry weather predicted for Australia this summer.
 
The water needs of different plants vary greatly. Some factors to consider include the species and age of the plant, the type of soil in which it is planted, and its exposure. The symptoms of drought stress may be similar to the symptoms of over watering or even to some pest and disease problems. It is important to identify the causes of the problem in order to take corrective steps.
 
Water Stress symptoms can be very confusing, and can vary with different types of plants. Plants under water stress can have many symptoms including yellowing, wilting leaves that develop early fall color and burning or scorching on edges of leaves. Plants may drop some or all of their leaves and appear dead.
 
SOMETHINGS YOU CAN DO THE CURVE THE STRESS OR EVEN ELIMINATE IT;
  1. Water well. Deep watering encourages roots to go deep down in the soil to where it is moist and a lot cooler. Water less frequently but for longer periods, so water reaches deep into soil. Good thorough watering promotes healthier plants.
  2. Investigate using water conserving drip emitters or soaker hoses on a timer. Adjust watering frequency and amounts based on season, temperature and amount of rainfall. Overhead watering uses more water and can promote fungal disease.
  3. Add mulch to individual plants or beds. Add organic matter such as compost or rotted manure to plantings. Water stress becomes less of a problem as soils with high humus levels hold more moisture. Take care to keep mulch away from stems though.
  4. Plant selection. Use appropriate plants, which catalogs and plant tags often marked as drought tolerant or resistant. Also consider native plants, which generally adapt better, have lower water demands and fewer pest problems.
  5. Water only when necessary, based on condition of the plant. Most plants will normally wilt in hot sun, and then recover when watered. Also, a dry surface is not always a sign of water need. The surface generally dries out first and is not a true indicator of what is going on down deep near the plant root. Make use of a hand trowel or soil probe to check for moisture.
  6. Give priority to watering newly planted trees and shrubs during periods of drought. Young plants have not had sufficient time to establish deep root systems, and depend on surface water for survival. Do not let the root balls of newly planted trees and shrubs dry out completely or become too saturated. Before watering use a soil probe or a hand trowel. Inspect plants several times a week during drought conditions.
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