Submitted by: Carol Kagan, Penn State Master Gardener, Franklin County
Franklin County enters summer 2026 under a drought warning advisory from the Commonwealth, along with 7 other counties in south central and southeast Pennsylvania: Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Fulton, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Lehigh. Several more counties in the region, including Adams, Dauphin, and Perry, are under a drought watch advisory. For more information on the drought situation, visit this website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/water/bureau-of-safe-drinking-water/interstate-water-resources-management-division/drought-information
A drought warning serves to notify residents and water suppliers of impending severe drought conditions, with a call for increased voluntary water conservation measures to reduce overall water usage by 10 to 15 percent. Despite hit-or-miss thunderstorms, the region is behind seasonal norms for rainfall. Home gardeners can expect soil to dry out more quickly and plants to show stress sooner than in an average year.
Good watering practices can keep home gardens healthy while conserving water. The key is to focus on deep, efficient watering rather than frequent light sprinkles. Most flowers and vegetables need about 1 inch of water per week, counting both rainfall and water supplied. The goal is to soak the soil 6 to 8 inches deep, so roots grow downward into cooler, more stable layers. Quick surface watering evaporates rapidly, leaving shallow roots to struggle in the heat. Early morning is the best time to water, as cooler air and calmer winds reduce evaporation. Then, as sunshine and warmth increase, foliage will dry quickly, which helps to reduce the risk of leaf diseases.
Gardeners can check soil moisture by pushing a finger or trowel into the ground. If the top few inches feel dry, it’s time to water. Raised beds dry out faster and need more frequent checks. Mulch is valuable during drought; a 2- to 3-inch layer helps to keep soil cool, slow evaporation, and reduce weed competition. When watering, a gentleflow wand or bubbler placed at the soil line delivers moisture where plants can use it without splashing or runoff.
Containers also dry quickly and need frequent attention; pots heat up and dry out quickly. Water the containers until water runs from the drainage holes to ensure the root zone is reached. Add a thin layer of mulch on top and group containers together to create a cooler, more humid microclimate to lessen evaporation.
Some vegetables need steadier moisture than others. Leafy greens wilt quickly in the heat. Cucumbers and squash benefit from watering at the base to prevent mildew on the leaves. Tomato and pepper plants rely on consistent moisture to prevent blossomend rot from developing on the early fruit.
Trees and shrubs deserve special attention during drought, especially those planted within the last few years. Roots extend well beyond the canopy. Provide water in a wide area around the trunk rather than concentrating the water right at the trunk; a slow soak encourages deep penetration. Newly planted trees generally need deep watering once a week, while established trees may need attention every two to four weeks, depending on conditions. A simple guideline is to provide roughly ten gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter for young trees.
Cool-season turf grasses, common in our lawns, have evolved to go dormant during summer drought and will recover when rain returns and temperatures cool. If you must water, water lawns deeply; about 1 inch per week is enough. Mowing at a setting of 3 to 4 inches shades the soil and reduces evaporation.
A rain gauge is one of the simplest tools for managing water wisely. Placed in an open area away from trees, it gives a clear picture of how much rain actually falls each week. If totals come in below an inch, supplemental watering may be needed. If there are gardens beneath heavily leafed trees, a separate gauge may be needed.
During heatwaves, plants need extra care. Early morning watering remains the priority, but checking again in late afternoon can help identify any plants that are wilting beyond normal midday droop. Shade cloth can protect tender crops during extreme heat, and it’s best to avoid fertilizing when temperatures soar, as stressed roots are less able to take up nutrients.
Even in a dry year, good watering practices keep gardens healthy. By focusing on deep, efficient watering and monitoring soil moisture, gardeners can support healthy growth and do their part to conserve water during Franklin County’s ongoing drought conditions.
