Extension experts talk with media about impact of dry spell on gardens
Kate Garland, a horticulture professional with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, spoke with the Bangor Daily News for an article on advice for gardeners during Maine’s dry spell. Precipitation is currently an inch to an inch and a half below normal for this time of year, and growers need to ensure their seeds and plants are getting enough moisture, according to the article. “People should be taking action now,” said Garland. “The things that are the most susceptible now are the newly established plantings.” Garland said gardeners need to water plants to make up for the precipitation deficit and make sure they’re receiving about an inch of water per week. “Consider reshaping the dirt like a donut around your plants to create a small well to trap water,” she said. “If you mulch, do the same thing with your mulch.” Garland said it’s better to water more heavily and less frequently. “If you water lightly and frequently, you get shallow roots that are more susceptible to the dry conditions,” she explained. David Handley, University of Maine Cooperative Extension vegetable and small fruit specialist, told Maine Public that farmers without irrigation are spending a lot of time getting water to their crops. “The vegetables that are real high-demand water ones, this would be sweet corn, melons and squash. They’re really watering to beat the band as much as they can get on there, and I’ve already talked to some growers who said, ‘You know, I can’t water every field every time.’”