Drought Conditions

10 years ago

I started some Figaro Dahlias a few weeks ago. The are ready to transplant, but I am debating whether to plant them in the garden or into large containers. I have around 20 plants started. Due to the drought in California, some water companies around my area are mandating 50% reduction in water use and limiting the time where you can water individual plants or trees outdoors from 7pm to 10am, using buckets or drip irrigation only. Currently, I am not under these restrictions, but there is a large chance it will happen in the future.

I was thinking that if I planted in containers, I would be able to include water saving crystals. Also, containers could be set closer to the house. The other option would be to plant the dahlias in the garden where I have two wine barrel halves buried in the ground. Since those are containers, I think I could add the water crystals to them. I'm not sure about it, since I haven't used them before. Has anyone had experience with these? I don't think the wine barrels would accommodate all the plants I have as well. I do have an old drip irrigation system in need of repair. I am worried that the cost of fixing the irrigation will be expensive, but I would be able to plant the dahlias in a larger area. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Is there anyone else that is being affected by the drought? Have you made changes to conserve water?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

steve22802
10 years ago
I think that growing dahlias (or any other plant) in containers will be counterproductive with regards to water conservation. A plant in the ground has a much larger root system and will fend for itself much better than a plant in a pot. Pots dry out rapidly and need constant watering.

Mulching is also very helpful for water conservation. Plastic mulch (Polyethylene sheeting) will conserve moisture the best. Use white plastic rather than black or clear if you are in a very hot climate. If you can put drip irrigation under the plastic that is the best. If you can expect some rain it would be good to contour your soil so that the water pools at the base of the plant especially if you are using plastic otherwise that precious rain will run off and not get absorbed into the ground.
raekae
Original Author
10 years ago
I am in the Sierra Nevadas, so hot days are not an issue. Pine needles here provide natural mulch. I should have wrote that originally. I realize that when people read California and drought they think of the desert areas with high temperatures.

My main benefit to containers would to avoid carrying waste water down a pretty steep hill. I've been looking into it some more. Grey water systems are more affordable than I thought, and would hook up easily to the laundry outlet.
Related Professionals
Eden Prairie Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Berkley Landscape Contractors · Galveston Landscape Contractors · Hilton Head Island Landscape Contractors · Lemoore Landscape Contractors · Palm Beach Gardens Landscape Contractors · Saint John Landscape Contractors · Yukon Landscape Contractors · Tyngsboro Landscape Contractors · Shafter Landscape Contractors · Peoria Fence Contractors · Altadena Fence Contractors · Apache Junction Fence Contractors · Castle Rock Fence Contractors · West Jordan Solar Energy Systems