Toni ...
In general, I think that is excellent advice. We are in our third year of extreme drought in California. I am noticing something really strange, to me, in my garden this year.
My soil consists of lots and lots of small rocks and clay. It drains really well, but also holds moisture very well ... at least it has in the past.
Since we haven't gotten our usual heavy rains during the winter months ... I get a whole lot more rain than San Diego ... I think the soil deep down is much, much dryer than usual. Even when I deep water my roses, they are dried out within a day because all of the water I am putting down is getting wicked down to the lower levels of soil. No matter how much mulch I put on top, nothing is going to stop that dynamic.
I am having to water plants that I have never had to water in prior years.
Another strange thing is that I am not seeing any worms. I think they have fried because I've improved the soil in the rose beds sufficiently over time so that there have always been lots and lots of worms.
Maybe someone who understand how prolonged drought impacts the deeper levels of soil can explain it better than I can.
@Dave maybe you would have some input here.
The roses are going into heat dormancy because they know how to survive in drought conditons ... at least most of them. I don't think I am going to lose any this year. It's my trees that I am worried about. I think I've lost two liquid ambers. My white fir is looking pretty stressed, but it is the dogwood and the 60 year old red maple that is causing me the most worry. Both are showing signs of severe water stress. There is no way, even if I could afford it, that I can supply the water that they need.
Not only is the thirsty earth wicking away the water, but the trees and the junipers up on the slope have extended their root systems in search of water and are grabbing any water I put down for the roses.
I have taken out shrubs near the trees to reduce water competition, but I can't think of anything else I can do for them.
I am really praying for rain this winter.
Smiles,
Lyn
