Drought Survival Tips for Farmers and Gardeners: Lessons from the Driest Maryland August on Record
The other day I was on the phone with a friend when she asked if I was hiking through the woods. Nope—I was just walking through my yard. That’s how loud the crunch of the grass was under my feet. She thought I was trudging through fallen leaves!
That sound tells the story of August 2025, which is on track to be the driest August ever recorded in the Washington D.C. region. Rainfall totals are dramatically below average, brush fires have popped up along Route 95, and even tough weeds like stilt grass are wilting.
The only saving grace? This August has also been one of the coolest on record—about five degrees below the usual highs. Without that break, the damage could be even worse.
Why Drought Hits Small-Scale Crop Growers Hard
For homeowners, wilted landscapes and brown grass is mostly a cosmetic issue. (Though my husband would argue otherwise—he loves his lawn!)
It always made me chuckle to hear about Californians secretly watering their lawns despite drought restrictions—or even resorting to painting it green (the magic ingredient in that paint: WATER! )🤣🤣🤣
For a farmer, though, the lack of water is no laughing matter. Fertilizer, pruning, weeding—we can fudge on those sometimes. Plants, like people, will push through a lot if given half a chance. But go too many days without water, and that’s it: game over.
Yes, irrigation helps—but it’s not a perfect fix. On my farm, only about half the beds are irrigated. Native perennials usually fend for themselves thanks to more robust root systems, but annuals need more frequent watering. Even with careful planning, some plants sit just outside the irrigation’s reach. And to complicate things further, crops vary widely in their water needs—some need long soaks, while others rot if they get too much (I’m looking at you dahlias!)
And here’s another reality many people don’t realize: most small-scale farm irrigation systems depend on well water. When rainfall is scarce, groundwater levels drop. That means pumps work harder, wells can run low or even run dry, and the water that is available often comes out warmer than ideal for crops. It becomes a cycle of stress—not just on the plants, but on the farmer and the infrastructure itself.
This is especially hard-hitting if the well is shared with housing on the farm! I personally would (probably, maybe?) sacrifice my own water to keep my plants alive, but my husband draws the line at leaving our family out to dry, lol.
So this past month, instead of spending my time prepping for fall or writing high-quality blog content, I’ve been tethered to a hose, moving the sprinkler around the garden in 1-hour intervals and hand-watering all my potted plants. I tell myself, “Oh, it’s just 20 seconds per pot.” Then I remember… there are approximately 10 trillion pots.
Drought Survival Strategies for Farmers and Gardeners
Over time, I’ve learned a set of practices that help stretch every drop further. Whether you’re growing a backyard garden or a flower farm, these strategies can make a real difference:
1. Mulching
A thick layer of straw, leaves, or wood chips keeps soil cool, reduces evaporation, and prevents weeds from stealing precious moisture.
2. Shade Cloth
Simple fabric covers block harsh afternoon sun, lowering stress on plants and slowing down water loss.
3. Soil Building
Healthy soil acts like a sponge. Adding compost, growing cover crops, and increasing organic matter improves water-holding capacity and resilience.
4. Smart Watering
Instead of frequent light watering, give deep, infrequent soaks. This encourages plants to grow deeper root systems, making them tougher in dry spells.
5. Choosing the Right Plants
Native plants and drought-tolerant varieties (see Celosia above) naturally need less water and can survive with minimal irrigation.
6. Mycorrhizal Fungi
These beneficial fungi form symbiotic partnerships with roots, helping plants access water and nutrients beyond their normal reach. Farmers in arid regions rely on them as a natural drought defense. (Learn more HERE, if you’re curious)
7. Timing Plantings
Adjusting crop cycles to lean more on spring and fall production, when rain is more reliable, reduces dependence on uncertain summer weather.
8. Rainwater Collection
Capturing rainfall when it does come can make a huge difference later. Simple systems like barrels at downspouts or more advanced cisterns allow farmers and gardeners to store water during wet periods and put it to use during dry spells. Even a single heavy storm can provide hundreds of gallons of usable water that would otherwise run off.
9. Praying (No Joke!)
Ultimately, our weather—and our crops—are in God’s hands. Sometimes, all we can do is work faithfully, care for the land, and trust Him with the results.
The Takeaway
Water is irreplaceable, and no tool—irrigation, mulch, or fungi—can fully substitute for rain. But by combining these strategies, farmers and gardeners can stretch each drop further and help their plants survive until the skies open again.
This August has been a test of patience and endurance, but also a reminder of how resourceful both plants and people can be when faced with a challenge. And sometimes, the best thing we can do is prepare wisely… and pray for rain.
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