Drought

Last weekend, we finally finished our garden shed, equipped with a water collection system. We were eagerly looking towards the chances of rain in the coming week. Unfortunately, the forecasts were full of unrequited hope; our rain gauge has only collected dust.

I'll say I'm grateful some of my plants are hanging in there, but far too many have shriveled, brown stalks or leaves hanging like a towel on a hook.

Did I mention I'm grateful I started way too many plants in trays? They've been handy not just for the late frost, but now also for the drought. Spring preparation has treated me well, but I can no longer rely on it. My last potted plants were put in the ground last weekend, replacing the watermelons and cucumbers who've succumbed to the stresses.

We haul 25 gallons of water at least once a week, but with that trip we bring more plants that need planting. Every week, our plantings need more water, and every week, we plant more. Insanity? Absolutely. But what's one to do with full trays becoming more and more root bound.

So, we'll continue to plant in dust and lightly shower each transplant with what little water we have. My only hope is that the roots are reaching down deep into the clay to soak up long-stored moisture.