Gardens, lawns, fields get much needed drink
August 05, 2012
By Mike Thayer
We got a MUCH needed dose of rain yesterday, the Coralville area received just over 1-1/2 inches.
I wrote back in May that my feeling was we were in for a dry summer and unfortunately, I was right. With yesterday's rain, we've only received about two inches of precipitation since June 29th. That's WELL below the average of nearly five inches in a typical July.
You have to feel for the farmers, it's not like they can just walk out the back door, turn on the outdoor spigot and water the crops. The costs for irrigation can be substantial.
The weather forecast is showing clear skies for another week.
With yesterday's rain, my lawn this morning is showing signs of turning green again. It's not quite as 'crispy' to walk on and it might just be my imagination but the color seems to be turning. The Akdeniz Garden is in pretty good shape at this point, with a bumper crop of cherry tomatoes and a variety of peppers waiting to be harvested. The green beans are peaking and the cucumbers are becoming plentiful. The hardy herbs like sage and rosemary, have done well under the heat.
Today I'll be spending some time putting in my fall crop. More onions, peas and a variety of lettuces.
Cross your fingers for more rain!
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