How to keep your plants watered in the dry season

GILLIA LEWIS-MACFARLANE

The official start of the dry season usually commences early in January or as late as the beginning of February. Though expected, it’s always an anxious time for plant enthusiasts and famers alike.

For me, because of my busy work schedule I tend to choose outdoor plants like ixora, buttercup (allamanda), bougainvillea and the local periwinkle over indoor plants.

What is so attractive about these plants is that they tend to flower throughout the year so there is always a beautiful blend of colours to charm and engage your attention. To add to the beauty are the butterflies, birds and beetles.

I have also created a space in my yard for herbs including the aloe vera plant, chadon beni, French thyme and basil which is new to my garden. What I particularly like about this area is that it’s always green and lush with herbs ready to be picked.

These are not to be outdone by the tomatoes, pimentos and ochroes which must be picked almost daily and the pigeon peas which I will be harvesting very soon. I must include the pineapple plant that is quietly growing in the corner.

Covid19 really allowed my back yard to take root, no pun intended.

But the question remains, how do we care for our plants during the season of little rain and water restrictions? The best time to water plants is just before sunrise or just after sunrise. The reason being the bulk of the water will go to the plant not evaporate back into the atmosphere. If you must water in the evening avoid getting the leaves wet as this promotes the growth of fungi and bacteria.

I must admit though that I have one indoor plant, an anthurium which was given to me by my dear husband two years ago for Valentine’s Day and yes it’s still alive for obvious reasons. Maybe it’s because I’m drawn to plants with flowers.

Recently, I visited a family member who had quite a variety of local herb plants in pots namely celery, chive and parsley and much of what was mentioned above. His solution to daily watering was the glass bottle solution.

So let’s explore some methods that can be used to help keep our plants alive and hydrated during the dry season.

Method 1.
Wash a wine bottle preferably with a narrow neck, fill with water and place the bottle cork end down in the flower pot.

Method 2.This process is easy and can also be used if you are going on vacation. Cut three strips of cotton fabric or T-shirt to form a rope, tie both ends, place one end in the pot and the other in a bottle or bucket with water. This works best in a slightly cool area.

Method 3. Simply use a plastic soda bottle, cut in half. Make a hole in the cover. Cut and pass cotton strings through the cover and tie a knot. Put water in the bottom half of the bottle with water touching the cover with strings. Pull the string through the top half of the bottle, neck first and finish the process with soil and plant.

Method 4. For this system all you really need is a relatively large vase or container and cotton rope. Place one end of the rope deep into the soil, and the other end of the rope submerged in a vase or bucket filled with water. This method is great for multiple plants. Wet the plants to start the process.

If none of these methods work for you, invest in plants that thrive in dry conditions namely cacti, anthuriums, hibiscus, and bougainvillea to name a few.

For further information contact the Eastern Horticultural Club at 357-5033, or 720-2698 or easternhorticultural@hotmail.com. Due to the covid19 pandemic meetings have been suspended until further notice.