The Effect of Drought Like Conditions on Vegetation

Photo by Karysa Kent

ZANESVILLE, Ohio– The recent drought-like conditions we’ve been experiencing have taken a major toll on area farmers and their crops.

We stopped by Paul’s Farm Market and Greenhouse on South River Road in Zanesville and spoke with co-owner Terry Paul about this crop season. He said there are crops that can tolerate these conditions, but the lack of moisture can be detrimental to certain ones.

“Some of the crops, because of the dryness have been wilting a lot,” Paul said. “And they are under a lot of stress. And as a consequences their fruit or what they are going to produce is going to be less abundance and less quality.”

Paul also said the hot temperatures can have a positive effect on the flavor of certain crops.

“Dry and heat does bring the sweetness, because the roots are going down deeper and after moisture. And your fruit isn’t as watery. It’s got a better flavor to it. It’s better textured. Dry weather maybe enhances the flavor,” Paul said.

Paul said moisture is key when experiencing extreme heat. He recommends keeping your vegetation watered at night.