{"id":759,"date":"2012-07-22T08:00:46","date_gmt":"2012-07-22T12:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mymontys.com\/wordpress\/?p=759"},"modified":"2012-07-27T15:57:03","modified_gmt":"2012-07-27T19:57:03","slug":"helping-plants-after-a-drought","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wordpress.mymontys.com\/?p=759","title":{"rendered":"Helping Plants After A Drought"},"content":{"rendered":"

To meteorologists, \u201cdrought\u201d is measured in at least two ways. The first is a measure of ground water and surface water as measured by the Palmer Hydrological Drought Index<\/a>. The second is a measure of rainfall over the past twelve months as indicated by the Palmer Drought Index<\/a>.\u00a0 In either case, recent indices from July, 2011 through June, 2012, have shown the most extreme level of drought extending from Texas west to Nevada and California, north to Wyoming and into parts of the Midwest.<\/p>\n

\"Palmer<\/a>

Source: National Climatic Data Center<\/p><\/div>\n

In homeowner and gardening terms: <\/span>Boy, it\u2019s dry!<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s look at how you can help your plants recover once a drought ends.<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

During the drought, plants basically shut down and now need to be nursed back to health.\u00a0 The pores on the surface of the plant closed to prevent moisture loss. The nutrients and water stored in the cells of the outermost leaves withdrew, causing wilt, curling, and shriveling. Finally, the chlorophyll withdrew so it could be used to sustain the \u201cheart\u201d of the plant, which is why it turned yellow, became turgid and brittle.\u00a0 The plant opted to jettison those leaves and limbs to guarantee its ultimate survival.<\/p>\n

A similar process took place below the soil line.\u00a0 The plant at first attempted to grow additional roots, especially tap roots, but eventually the auxiliary root systems and the root hairs dried, withered and eventually died.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

When moisture returns, baby the plants at first, and bring them along slowly. Our first instinct is to go outside and pour on the nitrogen, which, after a drought is absolutely the wrong thing to do. The plant cannot process the nitrogen without the leaf surface, limb structure and root hairs to take it in. Also, it can\u2019t handle the added stress of being forced to grow with a limited root mass to support the additional growth.<\/p>\n

Rather than using a high N (nitrogen)* fertilizer, use a high P & K (phosphorous and potassium)* plant food to start.\u00a0 This will help build the root system so it can make use of the other nutrients and draw in the moisture needed to process the nitrogen. Monty\u2019s Root and Bloom 2-15-15<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, a liquid plant food, is an excellent option.<\/p>\n

Once you start to see vitality returning to the landscape, step up to Monty\u2019s Growth Formula 8-16-8<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 By this time the plants can support the robust growth that Monty\u2019s will provide.<\/p>\n

Remember the soil.\u00a0 The drought has taken its toll on the soil as well.\u00a0 All of the microscopic flora and fauna \u2014 including earthworms and arthropods \u2014 have likely died or moved on and need to be encouraged to return.\u00a0 Soils most likely have collapsed during the drought, making moisture management a challenge and additional root growth almost impossible in the tight, compacted environment.\u00a0 Using Monty\u2019s Liquid Carbon Organic Soil Conditioner<\/strong><\/span><\/a> will aid recovery. While it is always a good practice to condition soils at least annually to maintain peak efficiency, reduce compaction and boost organic matter, in drought years it may be critical.<\/p>\n

*Plant foods and fertilizers are labeled according to the percentage of each of these three primary nutrients in the formulation:
\nN (nitrogen), P (phosphate) and K (potassium, or potash).\u00a0 For example, plant food labeled \u201c2-15-15\u201d contains 2% nitrogen, 15% phosphorous, and 15% potassium.<\/address>\n
<\/address>\n

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To meteorologists, \u201cdrought\u201d is measured in at least two ways. The first is a measure of ground water and surface water as measured by the Palmer Hydrological Drought Index. The second is a measure of rainfall over the past twelve months as indicated by the Palmer Drought Index.\u00a0 In either case, recent indices from July, […]<\/p>\n

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