Which vegetables tolerate the lack of watering

You rarely visit your summer cottage, your plot does not have enough water, or perhaps you plan to be away on vacation? All these circumstances will affect the choice of crops that you can grow and harvest.



It would seem that water is the key element without which gardening is impossible. However, even under such constrained conditions, many vegetables will feel quite comfortable. To achieve this, it is necessary to select the right varieties and create optimal conditions for the plants.
 

Be sure to mulch the plantings. Use straw, sawdust, or compost to retain as much moisture as possible and prevent it from evaporating too quickly.  

Collect rainwater. Set up barrels for collecting precipitation even if you do not have problems with water access. Rainwater is much more beneficial for plants, and there is no need to wait for it to warm up, unlike well or borehole water.  

Ensure your rare watering sessions occur in the morning or evening when the sun is less active and evaporation occurs more slowly.  

Add organic matter (peat, compost) to the soil to improve its water-holding capacity.  
 

Pumpkins have a powerful root system that penetrates deep into the soil, allowing them to extract moisture from the lower layers. Their large leaves protect the soil from drying out.  

To achieve a good harvest of this undemanding crop, plant it in sunny areas with loose, well-drained soil. Mulching the root zone will also help retain moisture for as long as possible.  

Watering is necessary during flowering and fruit formation.  

Drought-resistant pumpkin varieties: Pearl, Volga Gray.
 

These members of the pumpkin family are also very hardy. Their roots spread widely, absorbing more moisture. Moreover, frequent watering is contraindicated; watering once a week is sufficient.  

To improve the soil’s water retention capacity, add compost before planting.  

Drought-resistant zucchini varieties: Cavili, Iskander, Starling.  
 

Most chili pepper varieties are adapted to drought due to their compact root system and tough leaves. Water such peppers moderately, only when the soil is severely dry. To help the plant cope with long periods without watering, trim the lower leaves to reduce its water demand.  

Paprika can go without watering for up to ten days, while bell peppers, depending on the variety, can survive a maximum of 3-5 days without water.  

Drought-resistant bell pepper varieties: Lilac Bell, Purple Bell.  
 

Although this vegetable is moisture-loving, its dense foliage and stems help it withstand drought. Watering is necessary, especially during flowering and fruiting, but it should be infrequent yet abundant enough to soak the soil 20-40 cm deep. Also, timely weed removal is essential, as weeds can take away much-needed moisture.  

It is worth noting that with regular watering, the eggplant yield will be significantly higher.  

Drought-resistant eggplant varieties: Black Opal (mature plants), Iceberg, Black Diamond.  
 

These crops store moisture in their bulbs, and their narrow leaves minimize evaporation. Once they have taken root, they practically do not require watering. They grow best in sandy soil with good drainage.  

Stop watering onions and garlic 2-3 weeks before harvesting.  
 

Deep-growing roots allow them to extract water from underground sources. Carrots and beets store moisture in their root vegetables.  

To achieve the best harvest, thin out seedlings to avoid competition for resources, and loosen the soil to improve air exchange.  

The most drought-resistant member of the Amaranth family (which includes beets) is Swiss chard.  

Drought-resistant carrot varieties: Vita Longa, Vitamin 6.  

Drought-resistant beet varieties: Red Ball, Bikores, Bordeaux 237.  
 

Legumes form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, increasing their resilience to stress.  

To improve the chances of a harvest under limited watering conditions, choose bush bean varieties, as they are less demanding on water, although slightly less productive. Plant legumes in light soil with neutral pH.  

Drought-resistant bean varieties: Swallow, Laura.  

Proper crop selection, soil preparation, and smart care will allow you to obtain a harvest even under limited watering conditions. Experiment with varieties and methods to find the optimal balance for your plot.