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Drought Tips

Here in our Mediterranean microclimate we depend on winter rains to sustain gardens and vineyards. Despite near "normal" rainfall during the winter of 2015/2016, courtesy of a weak El Niño, a continuing pattern of drought appears likely to continue in 2016. We offer the following informational links to assist the home gardener in making decisions concerning plant choice and irrigation in drought conditions:

Healthy Garden Tips in a Drought

Gardening in Harmony with our Climate offers advice for planning and maintaining a sustainable and enjoyable landscape. Use the Water Conservation Checklist - Garden  and Landscape to ensure your irrigation system is operating at maximum efficiency. This checklist is a good idea in both rainy and dry conditions.

The California Gardening Web

Tree care, lawn care, edible gardens and plant care in a drought from the University of California at Davis.

Uiniversity of California at Davis

See California Drought Watch for updated information on California's drought. Look here for available strategies for managing crop irrigation.  Drought tips from the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources at UC Davis.