Dry weather across parts of the United States is putting agriculture under pressure, and home gardeners should pay attention because the backyard often feels the effects before the grocery cart does. Drought conditions can change how plants grow, how often gardens need water, and how gardeners manage everything from tomatoes to trees.
The latest conditions tracked by National Drought Mitigation Center and National Integrated Drought Information System show why dry spells deserve a closer look from anyone with a shovel, a watering can, or a favorite patch of flowers. Home gardeners cannot control rainfall, but smart choices can help landscapes handle tough stretches of dry weather.
