A Drier Summer Could Change How We Garden

Some summers are tougher on gardens than others—and this year, longer dry stretches are likely in parts of the country. Dry soil, stressed plants, browning lawns, and tougher decisions about what gets watered first may become familiar challenges during periods without steady rain.

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Woman adding mulch to raised-bed vegetable garden during summer

Gardeners are adapting to drier summers with mulch, raised beds, smarter watering, and more resilient planting strategies. Photo: Valeriy_G

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Today is Day 173 of 2026

92 days until autumn begins

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What is cinnamon, and where is it produced?
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Long-range weather forecast map of the United States by regionRegion 1 - NortheastRegion 2 - Atlantic CorridorRegion 3 - AppalachiansRegion 4 - SoutheastRegion 5 - FloridaRegion 6 - Lower LakesRegion 7 - Ohio ValleyRegion 8 - Deep SouthRegion 9 - Upper MidwestRegion 10 - HeartlandRegion 11 - Texas-OklahomaRegion 12 - High PlainsRegion 13 - IntermountainRegion 14 - Desert SouthwestRegion 15 - Pacific NorthwestRegion 16 - Pacific SouthwestRegion 17 - AlaskaRegion 18 - Hawaii123456789101112131415161718
  1. Northeast
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  4. Southeast
  5. Florida
  6. Lower Lakes
  7. Ohio Valley
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  9. Upper Midwest
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  12. High Plains
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  15. Pacific Northwest
  16. Pacific Southwest
  17. Alaska
  18. Hawaii

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