For most of Ohio, it certainly has been a below-average year when it comes to rainfall. No one has been hit harder this year than the folks in southeastern Ohio, but nearly the entire state has felt the effects of the drier-than-normal year, according to Thomas Becker, extension educator, agriculture and natural resources for the Ohio State University Extension — Lorain County Lorain County Agricultural Center, in a news release. Becker said that according to one of the more recent model releases from the U.S. Drought Monitor, Lorain and much of the north-central region of the state, is considered abnormally dry. However, the area that is experiencing exceptional drought has continued to expand over recent weeks, he said. “We have much to be thankful for in Lorain and surrounding counties as the impacts in other parts of the state are rather discouraging,” Becker said. “Poor pasture conditions, lack of hay growth, low ponds, dry creeks, water hauling and failing crops are just a few that are mentioned in a recent article by David Marrison, OSU farm management field specialist, and Aaron Wilson, OSU Ag weather and climate field specialist.” While many of the impacts of the drought can be visually observed and quite obvious, other impacts are less obvious, but should not be looked over, Becker said. Farming is a stressful occupation as is, and these drought conditions certainly don’t help matters, he said. “In these times of high stress and anxiety, take the time to check in on your neighbors,” Becker said. “It is OK to not be OK. “Let us all take this as an opportunity to support one another and lift each other up a little bit.” Now, those who are not directly involved with agriculture might be wondering how the drought affects them, Becker said. If you have a lawn, garden, or landscape plants, then you certainly could have reason to be a bit concerned about the dry conditions, he said. What can be done? “Annual plants likely don’t need as much attention since we are nearing the end of the summer, but that is a decision you can make as to how much longer you’d like to try and maintain your annuals,” Becker said. Herbaceous perennials, newly planted shrubs and trees, and unique plants or plants with high sentimental value should take top priority when it comes to watering, he said. Adequate moisture for these plants can be critical in helping them survive the winter, Becker said. With established trees, they have a more extensive root system, and it is impractical to try and water some of the larger trees, he said. How should you water? A deep, thorough watering is more effective than frequent, shallow watering, Becker said. Slowly applying water directly to the soil will help to minimize runoff and moisture lost to evaporation while maximizing the amount of water getting to the plant roots, he said. What about lawns? Becker said he received several calls to the Extension Office recently about folks who are concerned about their lawns. Many Ohio lawns are made up of cool-season grasses. These types of grasses, particularly Kentucky bluegrass, go dormant during dry, droughty conditions, resulting in straw-colored lawns, he said. “If you want your lawn to be green, you’re going to have to irrigate,” Becker said. “A key here is if you are going to irrigate, it is best to commit to a more regular watering schedule than to irrigate every now and then with irregular and extended periods of no irrigation in between. “Like some of our landscape plants, we want to help keep the crown and roots of our plants healthy, especially going into winter.” Those interested in learning more, can visit OSU’s Drought Conditions and Resources page which can be found at kx.osu.edu/page/early-drought-response. The Ohio Department of Agriculture recently added drought resources to its website as well, Becker said. You can also always call your local extension office to learn more and get connected to resources or Becker at 440-326-5851 or by email at [email protected].