Gardeners in the Novosibirsk region are advised to take precautions against a possible drought as temperatures rise and precipitation is not expected for at least a week. Agronomist Lyudmila Shubina recommends prioritizing crops in greenhouses and carefully managing watering in open gardens.

Greenhouses require special attention due to their enclosed environment and lack of natural moisture. Shubina suggests implementing drip irrigation systems, especially for cucumbers. If drip tape is unavailable, gardeners can use inverted bottles with punctured lids inserted into the ground near the plants. Water droppers are another option for slow and consistent watering. Mulching the beds with wilted grass or coniferous litter helps reduce moisture evaporation.

In open gardens, focus on the condition of the plants. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants should be watered once a week, while cucumbers and cabbage require more frequent watering. Shubina advises watering thoroughly on Saturday and then loosening and mulching the soil on Sunday to retain moisture. Tomatoes that curl their leaves are simply minimizing moisture loss and do not require immediate watering.

Crops like carrots, potatoes, and onions can withstand temporary dryness. Cucumbers can be trained to tolerate less water by gradually reducing watering to once a week, which encourages the development of a deeper root system. Nighttime temperature drops also provide plants with some relief.