Worst drought ever? According to John Nielsen-Gammon, the Texas State Climatologist and professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University:
“These statistics rank the current drought as the most severe one-year drought ever for Texas,” Nielsen-Gammon explains. “Never before has so little rain been recorded prior to and during the primary growing season for crops, plants and warm-season grasses.”
Trees all over Houston are dying and lawns are brittle, brown and dry. Now we are dealing with mandatory water restrictions that will impact what remaining plant life remains. Our only hope is for that relentless high pressure dome over Texas to dissipate.
My plantings for a fall garden have been postponed until these water restrictions are lifted and our area receives significant rainfall.
If you are in Texas, how are you coping with this drought?
Jacqueline D'Elia Computer geek that loves writing, photography, and building wordpress sites. Earned a BS in Horticulture at Texas A&M. She gardens in Houston Texas and enjoys growing organic food in her raised bed garden. You can follow her garden antics on Twitter @JDElia. Her day job? Selling real estate at RE/MAX Vintage in Houston.
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Hi Jackie,
I’m coping much the same as you are. I’m not commiting to fall plantings until our water restrictions are lifted Right now I don’t have anything left but a couple of pepper plants.
Currently, we are permitted to water during the hours I normally sleep, but I can’t justify watering the lawn under these conditions. I expect hate mail from my neighbors and HOA any day now about the crispy lawn. If I can keep my tree alive and a few potted plants, I’ll be happy.
Hi Brandi – I agree – pepper plants and herbs is all I have growing at the moment. I deep root water the trees – while sacrificing the lawn.
Certainly feel your pain. DFW area is in the same boat. Sad to see so many shrubs/trees in stress or dead already. Hopefully next year will be easier.